Ohio Judge Rules Against Families and Doctors, Allowing Ban on Gender-Affirming Care to Take Immediate Effect

COLUMBUS– Today, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas rejected our challenge to House Bill 68, Ohio’s law banning gender-affirming medical care for trans youth and prohibiting trans women and girls from participating in sports. This decision follows a five-day trial that took place during the week of July 15. The plaintiffs are preparing an immediate appeal of this decision.

The case, Moe v. Yost, was originally filed on March 26 by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the ACLU of Ohio, and the global law firm Goodwin on behalf of two families whose transgender children would be negatively impacted by HB 68. Following the initial filing, Judge Holbrook of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas issued a temporary restraining order on April 16, temporarily blocking the bill from taking effect. The court’s ruling today vacates the temporary restraining order and allows HB 68 to go into effect.

The organizations are extremely disappointed by today’s ruling, especially in light of the continuing efforts to undermine this vulnerable population in Ohio. They understand the detrimental effects HB 68 will have for trans youth and their families statewide, and remain steadfast in their mission to fight against these harmful barriers to care.

The following is reaction to the ruling:

Freda Levenson, legal director at the ACLU of Ohio:

“This loss is not just devastating for our brave clients, but for the many transgender youth and their families across the state who require this critical, life-saving health care. While this decision by the court is a genuine setback, it is not the end of the road in our fight to secure the constitutional rights of transgender youth, as well as all Ohioans’ right to bodily autonomy. We are appealing immediately.”

Harper Seldin, senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union:

“This is a devastating result for our clients and families like theirs across the state of Ohio. HB 68’s ban on medical treatments for gender dysphoria remains medically baseless and genuinely dangerous to the current and future well-being of transgender youth in the state. We are particularly appalled the court claims the ‘regulation of transgender individuals’ is a legitimate subject for the legislature under the state constitution. We are so thankful to our clients who opened their lives to the court to prove the danger this ban posed to the future their children deserve, and we are heartbroken that the court ignored their testimony and left this ban in place. Make no mistake–this fight is not over.”

Miranda Hooker, complex litigation & dispute resolution partner, Goodwin:

“We are deeply disappointed by the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas' decision to reject our challenge to House Bill 68,” said Miranda Hooker, complex litigation & dispute resolution partner at Goodwin. “This verdict represents a significant setback for the rights and well-being of transgender youth in Ohio. We will continue to support the ACLU’s efforts to fight for the rights of the transgender community and challenge this unjust law.”

The ruling can be found online here.