Ohio governor vetoes bill banning gender-reassignment treatment, trans participation in women's sports

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Republican Gov. Mike DeWine on Friday vetoed a bill that would have banned gender-reassignment treatment for minors and blocked transgender women and girls from participating in female sports leagues in Ohio. 

The Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act, which passed Ohio’s GOP-dominated state legislature earlier this month, was shot down by DeWine, who said he could not sign the bill "as it is currently written." 

In a break from members of his party who championed the legislation, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed a measure Friday that would have banned gender-affirming care for minors and transgender athletes’ participation in girls' and women’s sports. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

"This bill would impact a very small number of Ohio’s children. But, for those children who face gender dysphoria and for their families, the consequences of this bill could not be more profound," DeWine said during a press conference. 

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"Ultimately, I believe this is about protecting human life. Many parents have told me that their child would not have survived, would be dead today if they had not received the treatment they received from one of Ohio's children's hospitals. I've also been told by those who are now grown adults that but for this care, they would have taken their life when they were teenagers." 

DeWine said he visited several children’s hospitals in the state and spoke with individuals on both sides of the debate before ultimately making his decision. He added that while ultimately vetoing the bill, there are concerns raised in the legislation that he agrees with that he hopes to