His actions will affect many children.
Republican Governor Mike DeWine’s decision to veto legislation aimed at prohibiting sex change surgeries and hormonal interventions for minors dealing with gender dysphoria, along with restricting biological males from participating in female sports, has drawn criticism from Christian public policy organizations. The veto, announced during an end-of-year media briefing, was explained by DeWine as a belief that such decisions should be made by parents rather than the government.
DeWine, expressing empathy for parents facing the challenges of gender dysphoria with their children, stated that these difficult decisions should be in the hands of those who love and have raised the child. Despite the governor’s assurance that he would pursue administrative measures against transgender surgeries for minors, Christian conservative groups like the Center for Christian Virtue condemned the veto as a “heartless act.”
While progressive rights groups such as the ACLU and Human Rights Campaign applauded DeWine’s decision, critics, particularly from Christian conservative circles, hope for an override by the Ohio General Assembly, which is currently under Republican supermajority control.
Center for Christian Virtue President Aaron Baer accused DeWine of failing Ohio and warned about the potential long-term consequences of not curbing what they perceive as dangerous and experimental transgender medical procedures on children. Baer criticized DeWine’s proposals as insufficient and vulnerable to repeal by a subsequent governor.
The Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal nonprofit, contended that DeWine betrayed voters with his veto, ignoring evidence of harm caused by transgender medical interventions, particularly in sports. The organization argued that women athletes are suffering from policies allowing biological males to compete in female sports.
President of the conservative activist group American Principles Project, Terry Schilling, accused DeWine of giving in to cowardice and succumbing to the transgender industry. On the other hand, pro-LGBT activist group Human Rights Campaign praised DeWine’s decision as the right one for young trans Ohioans, emphasizing the importance of decisions about transgender youth being left to parents, schools, and doctors rather than politicians.
The broader context includes Ohio voters passing a measure in November to provide state constitutional protections to abortion rights, possibly reflecting a national trend in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022.