Democrats introduced bills to prohibit therapy targeted to changing a minor's gender identity or sexual orientation. Republicans are backing
that would outlaw the use of puberty blockers, hormones and gender reassignment surgery for children under the age of 18. Conversely, an anti-discrimination bill introduced in every legislative session for more than a decade has failed to gain traction – even after it picked up support from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.Gun rights groups win victories
There is no shortage of gun bills but those that seek to control guns are stalled while those that expand rights have momentum.After years of lobbying by gun rights groups, DeWine signed into law a measure that allows people to use deadly force in self-defense in public places without first considering retreating.After the Dayton mass shooting in August 2019 that killed nine people, Ohioans at a vigil shouted"Do Something" at DeWine.
Ohioans on both sides of the abortion issue are awaiting a ruling this summer from the U.S. Supreme Court over whether Roe v. Wade will stand. Under the 50-year-old case law, states can't prohibit abortions before the fetus is viable outside the womb. In recent decades, Ohio has made it more difficult for women to access abortion services. In April 2019, DeWine signed the"heartbeat bill," which would block abortion as early as six weeks gestation. The law is on hold due to a federal lawsuit.In December 2021, DeWine signed a bill that requires doctors to provide care for an infant born alive after a botched abortion. Physicians would also have to fill out a"child survival form" or face a third-degree felony.
Dog whistles. That’s all the gop has.