Judge Temporarily Blocks Ohio Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth

A Columbus judge on Tuesday, April 16th temporarily blocked a controversial bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth and prohibiting trans students from participating in athletics on teams that align with their identity.

Judge Michael Holbrook issued a temporary restraining order on House Bill 68, which would have prevented minors from accessing care such as hormone blockers, hormone replacement therapy and some mental health services.

It would have also prohibited trans athletes from taking part in middle and high school sports. The TRO is for two weeks, but it is renewable. The law was expected to go into effect next week.

Earlier in the week, a Joint Committee on state rules declined to invalidate a rule developed by the Ohio Department of Health that would ban gender transition surgeries for youth and referrals for such interventions. 

Several other rules related developed by the departments of Health and Mental Health & Addiction Services were delayed and put into a refiled status.