In a decisive vote on Wednesday, the Ohio Senate passed a bill to ensure that school bathrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations align with biological sex rather than gender identity. The legislation, now on its way to Republican Governor Mike DeWine, seeks to reinforce privacy and safety standards in public K-12 schools and higher education institutions across Ohio.
The new measure mandates that these facilities be designated exclusively for males or females, based on one’s gender as assigned at birth. This rule applies both in school buildings and at any facilities used for school-sponsored events. The bill, however, makes reasonable exceptions for emergencies, young children needing assistance, or those with disabilities. It also permits schools to offer single-use and family bathroom options for those who prefer added privacy.
Senator Jerry Cirino, a Republican from Kirtland and a vocal supporter of the bill, emphasized that the legislation is rooted in safety and common sense. “This bill is about safety and security,” Cirino stated, highlighting the importance of protecting children’s privacy in intimate spaces.
However, not everyone agrees with this approach. The ACLU of Ohio has come out strongly against the legislation, arguing that it infringes on the rights of transgender individuals. Jocelyn Rosnick, the ACLU’s policy director, claims the bill would make “trans and gender non-conforming individuals” feel less safe, asserting that these populations are at greater risk of harassment and violence in public restrooms. Critics, however, argue that the ACLU’s concerns overlook the bill’s provisions for single-use and family bathrooms, which offer secure and private alternatives.
The measure has garnered significant support from family advocates, including the Center for Christian Virtue (CCV), which applauded the Ohio legislature for passing what it calls “common-sense legislation.” David Mahan, CCV’s policy director, argued that the bill simply reinforces an essential level of privacy for students, particularly young girls. “Amended SB104 guarantees the only people entering young ladies’ private spaces are female, not men claiming to be female,” Mahan said, urging Governor DeWine to sign the measure.
Ohio is now poised to join at least 11 other states with similar laws aimed at protecting students’ privacy and security in bathrooms, locker rooms, and other personal spaces in public schools. Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Utah have already enacted laws that align with biological sex in school facilities, and more states continue to introduce similar measures.
Interestingly, the Ohio House included this bathroom provision as an amendment to a bill related to the state’s college credit program for high school students. This decision drew criticism from some, including Democratic state senator Catherine Ingram, who withdrew her support. Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio voiced strong disapproval, framing the legislation as an effort to “demonize those who are different.”
But proponents argue the bill is about more than politics or ideology—it’s about honoring the rights of all students to feel safe and respected in intimate spaces. With many parents voicing concerns about mixed-gender bathrooms and locker rooms, supporters contend that the bill simply reflects the values and preferences of Ohio families.
Governor DeWine has expressed that he is inclined to sign the bill, though he plans to review it thoroughly. Should he sign, Ohio will join the growing list of states taking steps to ensure that privacy and safety remain top priorities in school settings.
