COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a move met with criticism from progressive circles, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed an emergency motion with the Ohio Supreme Court, challenging a recent decision by Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Michael Holbrook to halt House Bill 68.
The bill, dubbed the Ohio Saving Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act and the Save Women’s Sports Act, has stirred heated debates since its introduction. Advocates argue that it provides necessary protections for Ohio families, including measures to prevent minors from undergoing experimental medical treatments and to ensure fairness in school sports.
However, opponents view the bill as discriminatory and harmful, particularly its restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender youth and its mandates regarding transgender participation in sports. They argue that such measures infringe upon individuals’ rights and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
Attorney General Yost’s motion contends that Judge Holbrook exceeded his authority by issuing a broad injunction that effectively halted the implementation of the entire law statewide. Yost argues that the injunction goes beyond the scope of the specific plaintiffs involved in the case, thereby impacting all Ohioans.
Critics of Yost’s action argue that it undermines judicial independence and disregards the legitimate concerns raised by opponents of House Bill 68. They assert that the bill’s provisions could have detrimental effects on transgender and gender-diverse youth, denying them access to vital medical care and excluding them from participation in school sports consistent with their gender identity.
House Bill 68, which became law despite Governor Mike DeWine’s veto, has sparked ongoing controversy in Ohio. Now, with Yost’s challenge adding another layer of complexity to the legal battle, the future of the bill remains uncertain. As the Ohio Supreme Court prepares to weigh in on the matter, advocates and opponents of House Bill 68 continue to clash over its implications for Ohio’s youth and marginalized communities.