OH’s ‘Protect All Students Act’ dubbed ‘bathroom ban bill’ by critics

The Ohio state Senate recently passed a bill known as the Protect All Students Act, which aims to prevent schools from allowing students of the opposite sex into restrooms and locker rooms. This legislation, which requires Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s signature to become law, is specifically designed to restrict transgender students from using facilities associated with their gender identities.

The bill, officially named Senate Bill 104, was approved by a vote of 24-7 along party lines. The House version of the bill had already been passed before the chamber went on summer break in June. Governor DeWine now has 10 days to either sign the bill into law or veto it. While he has expressed his inclination to sign the bill, he has also stated that he will conduct a legal review before making a final decision.

If signed into law, the bill will apply to public K-12 schools and institutions of higher education in Ohio. It mandates that schools designate separate bathrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations for the exclusive use of either males or females based on their gender assigned at or near birth. This designation applies to both school buildings and facilities used for school-sponsored events.

The passage of the bill was met with mixed reactions. Republicans, such as state Sen. Jerry Cirino, praised the legislation as a matter of safety and security. On the other hand, the ACLU of Ohio condemned the bill as a violation of the privacy rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, arguing that it could make them less safe.

Jocelyn Rosnick, the policy director for the ACLU of Ohio, expressed disappointment in the Ohio General Assembly’s continuous attacks against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. The organization called on Governor DeWine to veto the bill and stated that they are considering next steps.

The Center for Christian Virtue, a lobbying organization focused on implementing conservative Christian sexual morality, commended legislators for passing the bill and urged Governor DeWine to sign it. They emphasized that the legislation would ensure that only females enter young ladies’ private spaces, not men claiming to be female.

Senator Cirino, who introduced S.B. 104, emphasized that the bill was about common sense and protecting vulnerable children in private spaces. He stated that bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms should all be safe places for students.

The issue of transgender individuals using bathrooms and participating in sports that align with their gender identity has sparked debates across the nation. At least 11 states have enacted laws barring transgender girls and women from using girls’ and women’s bathrooms in public schools and government facilities.

As the bill now awaits Governor DeWine’s decision, the nation watches to see how Ohio will navigate this contentious issue. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. For further updates, you can follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.