Gov. Mike DeWine has vetoed a bill that nearly all of his Republican colleagues supported but many in LGBTQ communities and child health leaders opposed. The bill DeWine turned away would have banned trans youth from participating in girls’ sports and would have limited the access of trans children under 18 to some medical treatments related to their gender identity.
“Ultimately, I believe this is about protecting lives. Many parents told me their child would be dead today if they did not receive this treatment,” DeWine said, describing “gut-wrenching decisions that should be made by parents” and informed by doctors and medical professionals.
“These decisions should not be made by the government,” DeWine said, but by the parents who know their kids best.
Yeah, I don’t buy it. DeWine is a loyal Republican foot soldier on every single policy with the possible exception of gun control. He doesn’t believe in small government at all. He’s up for reelection next year and doesn’t want to get his ass handed to him. This move lets him say “see look, I’m such a moderate” so that he can gain appeal among low-info voters.
A) DeWine is term-limited from the governorship, and is unlikely to seek further office
B) he traveled the state talking to health professionals and parents and they convinced him he was wrong
I would never vote for DeWine over any Ohio Dem, but he is among the best that the Republican party has, period. He’s at least still human.
Yup, as an Ohioan … I agree with this sentiment entirely
I mean, you’re probably right and this is just political games. I didn’t want to say as much since I don’t know much about dewine except how he totally fucked the East Palestine response