Ohio bill would require public schools to notify parents of gender changes
Ohio House Bill 8 has been passed by the House and would mandate public schools in Ohio to notify parents of a student's mental, emotional, or physical health. This provision also includes "any request by a student to identify as a gender that does not align with the student's biological sex."
Supporters of the bill say this is about a parent's right to know what is going on with their own kids.
However, critics argue that it undermines the critical protection schools provide.
"I think one of my biggest concerns about this bill is [that]it doesn't just affect LGBTQ youth. When all youth find out that trusted information is being shared with their families, there any number of youth who are now not going to confide in those adults in the school setting," Ken Schneck editor of the The Buckeye Flame told 21 News.
Schneck also raised concerns about putting LGBTQ students at risk of discrimination or abuse.
"A lot of those youth are coming from homes that are not supporting their identity. So at the very minimum, [they will be required to] automatically [out] LGBTQ youth to families who might not be in a place to support them," Schneck said.
During a phone conversation with 21 News reporter Leslie Huff, supporter of the bill, Senator Al Cutrona, dismissed that concern.
"I don't believe that this is placing any children at risk. I think that if a five year old or a seven year old or an eight year old is saying this, I think that it's important for the parent to be aware of what's going on, so that they can take the appropriate steps necessary to address it," Cutrona said.
The bill will still need to go through the Senate.