Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation an Act of State-Sponsored Bullying and Bigotry During Pride Month

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) condemns today’s shameful passage of several pieces of legislation, in the middle of Pride Month, that specifically attack the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ youth across the state. House Bills 8 and 68 would enact forced de-transitions, force children to come out of the closet, and prohibit some youth from playing on sports teams that align with their gender in the state of Ohio.

“The Republican members of this body who voted in favor of House Bills 8 and 68 have listened to countless hours of testimony from physicians, LGBTQ+ youth and their families, and advocates telling us that this legislation will have detrimental effects on the lives of LGBTQ+ youth across the state. They ignored these pleas. Instead, fearmongering and misinformation won today, despite a federal ruling in Arkansas yesterday declaring bans on evidence-based healthcare for transgender youth are discriminatory and violate constitutional rights. These bills represent state-sponsored bullying and bigotry against an extremely vulnerable group of individuals. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure Ohio can be a welcoming and safe space for all,” said Rep. Grim.

On June 20, 2023, a federal judge in Arkansas struck down the state’s law forbidding medical treatments for youth seeking transgender transitions. In the ruling, Judge James M. Moody Jr. said the law both discriminated against transgender people and violated the constitutional rights of doctors. Furthermore, he found the state of Arkansas had failed to prove a number of its claims.

According to The Trevor Project, a non-profit group which focuses on suicide prevention for LGTBQ+ youth, LGBTQ+ Ohioans face higher rates of violence, suicide and mental health issues simply because of who they are. House Democrats continue to put people first and stand with the LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month, and every month. House Democrats will continue to fight for legislation such as the Ohio Fairness Act, the Anti-Bullying Act, and the Anti-Conversion Therapy Act which protects civil rights and recognizes LGBTQ+ individuals as vital members of our communities.