Today, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that he will be vetoing HB 68, legislation which would prohibit the prescription of puberty-blocking drugs and hormones and the performance of surgeries on minors for the purpose of attempting to alter their sex. The bill would also prohibit biological males from participating in female athletics at the K-12 and collegiate levels.

In response, Terry Schilling, president of American Principles Project (APP), released the following statement condemning DeWine’s decision:

“Our country has lately entered a new era that especially calls for courageous leadership. America’s most powerful institutions claim, despite the obvious physical evidence to the contrary, that men can become women and vice versa. Even worse, they are encouraging young children to undergo dangerous medical procedures which sterilize and mutilate their bodies to pursue this impossible goal. And our elites cheer as confused men enter into athletic competitions against women, depriving female athletes of a fair playing field and sometimes even putting their safety at risk.

“Now, more than ever, we need leaders who will stand up to these egregious lies and act to protect our children and families. Unfortunately, Governor DeWine has shown he is no such leader. History will forever remember that when courage was called for, DeWine instead gave into cowardice and caved to the transgender industry that is preying on so many vulnerable individuals. Despite the fact that most Republicans and even some Democrats are now seeing this predatory industry for what it is, DeWine still refused to do the right thing.

“Today’s decision by Gov. DeWine is useful for one thing: it shows he is not a capable leader for our times. Ohio families deserve far better, and if DeWine is unable to find the backbone to protect them, he should step aside in favor of someone who will.”

To schedule an engagement with American Principles Project, contact Paul Dupont at (o) 202-503-2010 or pdupont@americanprinciplesproject.org.