Columbus, Ohio – Ohio senators have proposed changes to House Bill 8, often called the parents’ bill of rights, which aligns more closely with Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law. Critics argue the bill could lead to outing LGBTQ students to their parents, while supporters emphasize parental authority.
Originally focused on sexually explicit materials and health services, the bill was amended to broaden its scope for “sexuality content” and remove exceptions for suspected abuse or neglect. It also mandates informing parents if a student identifies with a gender different from their biological sex.
Despite opposition and concerns about privacy and safety, the bill passed the Ohio House and is undergoing further changes to the Senate Education Committee, including banning sexuality content in early grades and requiring parental consent for health care. Supporters assert it upholds parental rights, while critics fear it could harm students’ well-being and educational experience.
