Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the Protect All Students Act on Wednesday, barring students from kindergarten through college from using single-sex bathrooms or locker rooms that do not align with their biological gender. The law extends to private schools and also prohibits transgender students from sharing overnight accommodations with students of a different biological gender.
Supporters Praise, Critics Condemn
Aaron Baer, president of the Center for Christian Virtue, called the law a victory for “common sense” and student safety. In contrast, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) condemned it as discriminatory and a violation of students’ rights, labeling it an “anti-trans bathroom bill.”
Part of a Broader Trend
Ohio joins at least 12 other states that have enacted similar laws, reflecting a broader national debate over transgender rights. The legislation comes amid heightened tensions following the election of the first transgender member of the U.S. House of Representatives and recent restrictions on single-sex bathroom access in the Capitol.
The governor’s office declined to comment on the new law, which has drawn both applause and outrage across the political spectrum.
