Statement on HB 8 - "Parents Bill of Rights"

"Ohio's GOP State Senators have managed to make an already concerning bill, the so-called 'Parents Bill of Rights,' even worse. This legislation, reminiscent of Florida's infamous 'Don't Say Gay' bill, is now a direct assault on the safety and well-being of LGBTQ students.

Previously, the bill included limited protections against 'outing' LGBTQ students in cases where disclosure could result in abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Shockingly, these crucial protections have been removed, forcing school staff to disclose a student's LGBTQ status without regard for their safety or well-being.

Furthermore, the revised bill now contains provisions specifically targeting transgender students. It replaces 'sexually explicit' with 'sexuality content,' broadly defined as any description or depiction of sexual concepts or 'gender ideology.'

This legislation represents an outright attack on LGBTQ students by Ohio Republicans, seeking to victimize them for cheap political points with their base. It's a disturbing display of disregard for the dignity and rights of LGBTQ youth.

We must vehemently oppose this discriminatory legislation and fight tirelessly to protect the safety and dignity of all students in Ohio."