Ohio Legislation Introduces A Bill Which Requires School Staff To Inform Parents Of Student’s Transgender Behavior

—blogged by @lovelikejhoney

Two Ohio state legislators, of the Republican Party, Tom Brinkman and Paul Zeltwanger, introduced House Bill 658, which would force teachers to immediately notify parents if their child shows signs of gender dysphoria. 

The National Health Service defines gender dysphoria — or gender identity disorder — as Gender dysphoria, a condition where a person experiences discomfort or distress because there is a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity.

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A portion of House Bill 658 reads:

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“If a government agent or entity has knowledge that a child under its care or supervision has exhibited symptoms of gender dysphoria or otherwise demonstrates a desire to be treated in a manner opposite of the child’s biological sex, the government agent or entity … shall immediately notify, in writing, each of the child’s parents and the child’s guardian or custodian. The notice shall describe the total circumstances with reasonable specificity.”

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After being notified and with proper consent, parents have the right to choose whether their child gets access to treatment such as educational materials and counseling or medical services. However, without the parent’s permission, teachers who share any resources on sex and gender or counseling with the student in question could be charged with a fourth-degree felony.

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Members of the Ohio community are criticizing the bill and the negative affect it will have on any student’s transition. The Ohio Education Association, a teacher’s union that represents over 125,000 state educators, released a statement opposing the bill.

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“OEA opposes Ohio House Bill 658. It is contrary to OEA’s belief that all persons, regardless of gender orientation, should be afforded equal opportunity and guaranteed a safe and inclusive environment within the public education system,” said Becky Higgins, the president of OEA.

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Equality Ohio, a local LGBTQ rights group, also released a statement regarding the anti-transgender bill.

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“This unnecessary and discriminatory bill does nothing to support youth and families. In fact, it puts the livelihoods of some of our most vulnerable youth—transgender youth—further at risk with bullying and discrimination by potentially forcing teachers to out them,” the group’s statement read.

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In addition to putting possible transgender youth at risk in school, this bill could also create a dangerous environment at home. According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, 18 percent of transgender people say their family was unsupportive of their gender identity and it’s not uncommon for these children to face hardship or abuse for “coming out.”

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Furthermore, Human Rights Campaign, a national gay rights group, confirmed the vulnerability of transgender youth with the results from its 2017 LGBTQ Teen Survey. Prior to announcing their sexuality, 77 percent of teens experience depression, while 95 percent experience insomnia and 70 percent had feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.

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The bill received its first hearing in the House Community and Family Advancement Committee, which includes some of the state’s most conservative lawmakers. The Ohio House is now on an extended summer recess, casting doubt on whether the bill can make it through both the House and Senate and receive the governor’s signature before the end of the year.