The bill that would ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports at the high school and college level, which is widely opposed by Democrats, is facing more opposition. This comes just hours after Ohio House Republicans attached the legislation as an amendment to an unrelated and popular bill and passed it.
Melissa Cropper with the Ohio Federation of Teachers says by denying them participation in sports, the bill would hurt transgender students, many of whom already face bullying and emotional turmoil. She says it makes it tough for teachers to guide students through difficult situations. Plus, she says it’s not needed.
“The Ohio High School Athletic Association dealt with this issue maybe a decade or so ago so the legislature is creating a solution to a problem that doesn’t even exist," Cropper says.
In a written statement, Gov. Mike DeWine said the issue is best addressed outside of government through agencies like the OHSAA that can tailor policies to meet the needs of athletes and member institutions. Eleven transgender females have been approved to compete by the OHSAA in the last six years.