TLDR - Highlights
Governor DeWine signed HB8 into law. HB8 requires teachers and administrators to out LGBTQIA+ students to their parents, restricts the teaching of LGBTQIA+ topics in K-12 education, and requires every school district in Ohio to adopt a RTRI policy.
The 119th US Congress (2025-2026) has already proposed a national ban on Transgender girls and women competing in women’s sports (HR28).
US House Speaker Mike Johnson slipped a Trans bathroom bill in to congressional rules.
A Federal judge in Kentucky struck down the Biden Administration’s changes to Title IX.
What’s Catching Our Eyes
The Buckeye Flame - “Ohio governor signs bill into law forcing teachers and counselors to out LGBTQ+ students”
Ohio Capital Journal - “Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs forced-outing, mandated religious release time policy bill into law”
The Columbus Dispatch - “Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs House Bill 8, dubbed 'Parents' Bill of Rights' by supporters”
The New York Times - “Judge Rejects Biden’s Title IX Rules, Scrapping Protections for Trans Students”
LGBTQ Nation - “GOP-led Congress promises to “save” women with rushed vote on anti-trans sports bill”
Erin in the Morning - “Federal Trans Sports Ban Down To The Wire: House Action Tuesday, Senate ‘Close’”
The Harvard Gazette - “Gender-affirming care rare among U.S. youth, study says”
Word & Way - “Richard Hays, Influential Scholar Who Changed His Mind on Same-Sex Marriage, Has Died”
Reasons for Hope
The Buckeye Flame - “In Ohio, a queer dance party is redefining community—and it’s ‘PERF’”
The New York Times - “Pope Names Vocal Supporter of Migrants as Next Cardinal in Washington”
Call to Action - Support Yakubu
Yakubu is an LGBTQIA+ person from Ghana currently seeking asylum in the United States. He is being supported by Cityview Church in Columbus, OH. Visit https://cityviewcolumbus.org/yakubu for more information.
A New Initiative from LOVEboldly
Beginning on Monday, LOVEboldly will be releasing two mini-podcasts each week. One will be a recording of that week’s Monday Moment from the Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp. The second, on Fridays, will be a brief recap of that week’s Action Alerts. Beginning on Monday, you’ll be able to find both mini-podcasts at www.loveboldly.net/podcasts.
Stay tuned for a new full podcast in the spring (under development now)!
Bills LOVEboldly is Following
US Congress
House Resolution 28 (HR28) - National ban on Trans women and girls in women’s sports.
Introduced on January 3, 2025, and assigned to the House Education and Workforce Committee.
for more information visit www.loveboldly.net/billtracker/ushr28
Brief Recap of Bills from the 135th Ohio General Assembly (2023-2024)
HB8 - Don’t Say Gay/Trans and School Censorship (contains the language from HB445/SB293 - “LifeWise” bills)
Passed by both the House and Senate.
Signed into law by Governor DeWine.
The "SAFE" Act (formerly HB68) - Ban on gender-affirming care for minors
Implemented despite ongoing litigation.
The courts are locally waiting on the US Supreme Court’s ruling in Skrmetti v. United States before ruling.
The Protect "All" Students Act (SB104/HB183) - Transgender Bathroom Ban
Passed by both chambers and signed into law by Governor DeWine.
Set to take effect 90 days following November 27, 2024.
SB132 - The Ohio Fairness Act
Did not pass the 135th General Assembly and is dead.
Could be reintroduced in the 136th General Assembly.
HB240 - “Chaplains” as school counselors
Did not pass the 135th General Assembly and is dead.
Could be reintroduced in the 136th General Assembly.
HB245 - Drag Ban (that could have banned Trans people too)
Did not pass the 135th General Assembly and is dead.
Could be reintroduced in the 136th General Assembly.
HB467 - Exemption for Trans people from a requirement for candidates for public office to list “former names”
Did not pass the 135th General Assembly and is dead.
Could be reintroduced in the 136th General Assembly.
HB471 - Further scrutiny of Trans candidates for public office
Did not pass the 135th General Assembly and is dead.
Could be reintroduced in the 136th General Assembly.
HB686 - Ban on “preferred pronouns” on public college applications
Did not pass the 135th General Assembly and is dead.
Could be reintroduced in the 136th General Assembly.
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