A judge upheld a law Tuesday that bans gender-affirming care for minors in Ohio, keeping it among the nearly two-dozen states that have levied similar restrictions in recent years and drawing criticism from advocates who say the statute infringes on transgender peoples’ rights.
Franklin County Judge Michael J. Holbrook wrote in the ruling that recourse for those “dissatisfied with the General Assembly’s determinations must be exercised through their vote as opposed to the judicial system.”
Families of trans youth will not be able to access treatments in Ohio to support gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy — although a grandfather clause allows residents already on such treatments to continue. The law also blocks transgender girls and women from playing on school or college sports teams designated for girls or women. The court’s decision clears the way for the law to take effect.
