Republican Ohio governor caves to leftists, vetoes bill that would protect minors from so-called 'gender-affirming' care

On Friday, Republican Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a bill backed by his own party that would have protected children from so-called "gender-affirming" care and prevented males from competing in female sporting events.

The Associated Press reported that DeWine opted to veto House Bill 68, the "Saving Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act," sponsored by Republican state Representative Gary Click. Earlier this month, the legislation passed the state's House in a 62-27 vote and its Senate in a 24-8 vote.

The SAFE Act, which sought to strengthen parental rights, would have prohibited medical professionals from performing so-called gender surgeries on minors or prescribing them irreversible cross-sex hormones. Additionally, the legislation would have required health care professionals to get consent from at least one of the minor's parents or guardians before diagnosing or treating them for a "gender-related condition."

The measure would have also mandated that K-12 schools and universities ban males from competing in female sports and vice versa.

DeWine announced Friday that he would veto the bill after discussions with physicians and families with trans-identifying youth.

"I've also listened to youth and parents. Parents who have told me if not for this treatment, their child would be dead," DeWine said Friday, the AP reported. "Ultimately, I believe this is about protecting human life."

"Now, while there are rare times in the law in other circumstances where the state overrules the medical decisions made by the parents, I can think of no examples where this is done where it is not only against the decision of the parent, but also against the medical judgement of the treating physician and against the judgement of the treating team of medical experts," he continued. "Therefore, I cannot sign this bill as it currently written."

DeWine noted that he agreed with some aspects of the bill and encouraged the general assembly to collaborate on making changes to the measure.

According to the AP, DeWine directed agencies to prohibit gender-related surgeries for minors and noted that it is a "fallacy out there that this goes right to surgery."

DeWine added that his administration will create restrictions banning "pop up clinics or fly by night operations" to ensure children receive "adequate counseling."

Ohio Republican lawmakers hold enough seats to override DeWine's veto. However, it is unclear whether they plan to do so.

Reactions to DeWine's veto

Former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines slammed the Ohio governor for striking down the Republican-backed legislation.

"[DeWine] is a spineless coward that needs to be removed from office," Gaines wrote on X Friday.

De-transitioner Chloe Cole stated, "Gov. DeWine's political career is over. What a way to go out. Paid off by the medical lobby, which is insanely powerful in Ohio. Remember him for his desire to sterilize and mutilate children."

Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy posted on X, "Ohio Governor Mike DeWine just vetoed a simple law that would have stopped boys from competing in girls' sports & stopped kids from undergoing genital mutilation & chemical castration. Even Ohio's Lt. Governor

@JonHusted favored passage of the bill. Shame on DeWine."

Husted also shared his support for the bill on social media.

"I've been asked my opinion on HB 68. I support it for two main reasons: Men should not compete in women's sports. Permanent medical decisions concerning gender should not be made when you are a child. I hope the SAFE Act will become law in Ohio," Husted wrote.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!