Deborah Archer President at American Civil Liberties Union | Official website
Today, the Tenth District Court of Appeals in Ohio overturned House Bill 68, which banned gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth and prohibited trans women and girls from participating in sports. This decision is seen as a significant win for LGBTQ+ rights and bodily autonomy.
The case, known as Moe v. Yost, was initiated on March 26 by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the ACLU of Ohio, and the law firm Goodwin. They represented two families whose transgender adolescents were affected by HB 68. Initially, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas upheld the ban after a trial in July. However, today's ruling allows transgender youth in Ohio to access necessary healthcare again.
Freda Levenson, Legal Director at the ACLU of Ohio, stated: “Today, we celebrate this win not only for our brave plaintiffs but for all LGBTQ+ Ohioans and their families. This win restores the right of trans youth in Ohio to choose vitally important health care with the support of their families and physicians.”
Harper Seldin from the ACLU described it as "a critical victory for transgender youth and their families across Ohio," criticizing the state's ban as discriminatory and harmful.
Miranda Hooker from Goodwin praised those who opposed House Bill 68: "This victory underscores the critical need to safeguard bodily autonomy and access to essential healthcare."
The ruling is available online for public viewing.
