COLUMBUS, Ohio-An Ohio judge, Michael Holbrook, has ruled that House Bill 68, which bans gender-affirming care for transgender youth and bars trans athletes from participating in sports that align with their gender identity, can take effect. The judge found the law constitutional, stating it reasonably limits parental rights in favor of state interests in regulating medical treatments. The legislation restricts access to hormone blockers, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and some mental health services for LGBTQ+ minors. The ACLU plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the law denies essential, life-saving care to transgender youth and infringes on their constitutional rights. Ohio’s Attorney General supports the ruling, framing the law as a temporary measure to protect children from making irreversible medical decisions.
