Ohio Enacts Law Restricting Bathroom Use for Transgender Students

Governor Mike DeWine signs legislation barring transgender students from using bathrooms matching their gender identity in public and private schools.

The new law applies to transgender students from kindergarten through college in Ohio's public and private schools, banning them from using multiperson bathrooms aligned with their gender identity.
The legislation, called the 'Protect All Students Act,' mandates separate bathrooms based on gender assigned at birth but includes no enforcement mechanism.
Governor Mike DeWine signed the bill despite opposition from Democrats, civil rights groups, and teachers' unions, who argue it compromises safety and privacy for transgender youth.
Proponents claim the law ensures safety and privacy, while critics, including the ACLU of Ohio, warn it stigmatizes transgender students and increases risks of harassment.
Ohio joins a growing list of states implementing laws targeting transgender rights, reflecting a broader national trend driven by Republican-led efforts.