The Ohio Senate passed its version of the two-year state budget, keeping intact all anti-LGBTQ+ measures approved earlier by the House.
On Wednesday, the Senate’s version included:
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A policy echoing former President Donald Trump’s executive order, stating that “two sexes, male and female,” exist and “are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.”
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A ban on using Medicaid for mental health care that “promotes or affirms gender transition.”
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A funding freeze for youth shelters that support transgender individuals.
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A requirement for libraries to keep materials related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression out of sight from those under 18.
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A ban on menstrual products in men’s restrooms of public buildings.
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A mandate allowing only the official Ohio state flag to be flown on state grounds or buildings, effectively banning Pride flags.
The Senate approved the 5,048-page document in a 23–10 vote, mostly along party lines. Sen. Louis W. Blessing III (R-Colerain Township) broke ranks and voted no.
One proposal that didn’t pass was a requirement for driver’s licenses and birth certificates to reflect a person’s sex assigned at birth. In a written statement, LGBTQ+ civil rights group Equality Ohio welcomed the removal of that clause but condemned the rest:
“Instead of weaponizing the budget for a culture war, our legislators should focus on building a state where everyone has access to quality education, decent jobs, and where healthcare is a right—not a privilege—where liberation and prosperity belong to all of us.”
Senate Democrats introduced amendments to strip out the anti-LGBTQ+ language, but none passed.
‘A cruel distraction’: Senate Democrats attempt to strike anti-LGBTQ+ items from the budget
“Sadly the Republican majority has presented to the people of Ohio one more opportunity in the budget to continue the culture wars,” Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) said at a May press conference.
The Ohio House voted not to concur with the Senate’s changes, rejecting the updated version passed by the Senate.
Lawmakers will now enter committee negotiations to finalize a version that can be sent to Gov. Mike DeWine before the end of June.
DeWine retains the power to veto specific budget items.
