CLEVELAND — During a stop in Cleveland Monday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine spoke with 3News about what he plans to do about the controversial bill known as HB 68.
The SAFE Act, which stands for "Save Adolescents from Experimentation," would make it illegal for health care professionals to provide gender-affirming care to transgender children. The measure would also prohibit transgender athletes from competing in in girls and women's sports.
The bill cleared the Ohio Senate last week.
DeWine says he'll spend the next few days focused on the bill and talking to both experts and families, but he stopped short of giving his position.
"This is a very, very contentious issue," the governor stated. "Other states have dealt with this issue as well, but ultimately, my decision will be based on one thing -- and that is what I think is in the best interest of the children that will be impacted by this law."
Gov. DeWine will have 10 days to sign or veto the bill once his office receives the legislation, which had not been the case as of Friday. He has previously expressed doubts about the sports restrictions, saying such decisions were best made by individual sports organizations.
Under the legislation, minors in Ohio would be prohibited from taking puberty blockers and undergoing other hormone therapies or receiving gender reassignment surgery that would further align them with their gender identity.
An amendment added last week changes a provision that would have forced children receiving gender affirming care to stop treatment or leave the state to obtain it. The latest version of the bill allows for any minor who is an Ohio resident currently receiving care to see that care through.
Since 2021, more than 20 states have enacted laws restricting or banning such treatments, despite the fact that they have been available in the United States for more than a decade and are endorsed by major medical associations. Most of these states face lawsuits, but courts have issued mixed rulings.
DeWine was in Cleveland Monday to visit the Urban Community School in Ohio City, plus tour the Gallagher Family Early Education Center.