Ohio - A controversial law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors is back in effect after a ruling from the Ohio Supreme Court on Tuesday.

The court granted a request from Attorney General Dave Yost to pause an appellate court decision that previously blocked H.B. 68, which prohibits transgender youth from receiving puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy. This means the law can now be enforced while the legal battle continues.

Ken Schneck, editor of The Buckeye Flame, says the court's decision marks a troubling moment for transgender youth across Ohio.

“The Ohio Supreme Court is going to take on this case, and until then, those treatments will no longer be available to youth — for the purposes of gender identification,” Schneck said.

LGBTQ advocates argue the ruling will have far-reaching effects on both the physical and mental health of transgender minors.

“LGBTQ youth in states that have anti-LGBTQ legislation are by and large reporting disproportionately higher levels of anxiety and depression,” Schneck added.

Marguerite Felice, co-president of PFLAG Mahoning Valley, called the decision disappointing and pointed to what she sees as a contradiction in how lawmakers approach parental rights.

“It's interesting to me that the people who... who have been pushing for this ban on transgender youth as being dangerous... are the same people who are always talking about parental rights when it comes to things like what books are okay for kids to read,” she said.

PFLAG Mahoning Valley has long offered support to families of LGBTQ+ youth, and the group is reinforcing those efforts following the court’s decision. They hold monthly confidential support meetings in Mahoning and Trumbull counties for LGBTQ+ individuals, parents, and allies seeking guidance and community.

Felice emphasized that transgender youth still have a community that stands with them, even as the law takes effect.

“There are people who love you, affirm you and support you, and we will fight for you and your rights to be who you are,” she said.

While the future of the law will be decided through ongoing litigation, advocates say the emotional toll is already being felt by families across the state.