Ohio law mandates single-sex facilities to protect women and girls

In Ohio, a new law was signed by Governor Mike DeWine, mandating that K-12 students must use single-sex facilities such as bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their biological sex. This legislation has garnered attention from various political leaders, including Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, who has emphasized the law's purpose as protecting women's and girls' safety and privacy. Husted argued that the requirement for students to use gender-designated bathrooms is rooted in common sense, mentioning that the issue arose from incidents where men accessed women’s locker rooms and bathrooms. Husted expressed disbelief that such legislation was necessary, suggesting that common sense has been lost in favor of more progressive notions of gender identity. His remarks reflect a sentiment among some groups that aim to prioritize the safety of women and young girls. Husted noted that legislative action became necessary as he perceived a growing trend in schools to introduce gender-neutral bathrooms, which received pushback from many parents and community members. Instances were highlighted where children in elementary schools were encouraged to explore their gender identities, which Husted believes undermines the clarity of biological sex distinctions. In light of these shifts, Husted concluded that new laws were essential to safeguard spaces specifically designated for girls, especially as they reach a vulnerable stage of development during their teenage years. He believes that legislation should reflect the reality of ensuring safe public facilities for all individuals, particularly focusing on safeguarding the privacy of young girls. Husted also suggested alternatives such as family restrooms to accommodate those who do not fall neatly within traditional gender classifications, reaffirming that safety and privacy remain paramount in this discourse.