Ohio Takes Step Toward Transgender Bathroom Ban in Schools

The Ohio Senate has just approved a bill that could change how transgender students use bathrooms and locker rooms in schools. This controversial bill now heads to Governor Mike DeWine's desk. The bill requires students from kindergarten through college to use facilities that match their sex assigned at birth. However, schools can still provide gender-neutral and family bathrooms if they choose. Governor DeWine has indicated he might sign the bill, but he'll review it legally first. Supporters say the bill is about safety, while critics, like the ACLU of Ohio, argue it violates privacy rights and could make trans students less safe. At least 11 states already have similar laws in place. Some people are upset that the bill was attached to another proposal without much notice. Democratic Senator Nickie Antonio believes the bill is more about demonizing differences than about bathrooms.