NE Ohio Times

COLUMBUS - Ohio House Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) has expressed her satisfaction with the Ohio House's decision to override the veto on two crucial bills - the Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act and the Save Women's Sports Act. The vote, which took place yesterday, was a significant win for the safety and freedom of women and children in Ohio.

House Bill 68, which was vetoed by the Governor, has been the subject of extensive legislative hearings and diligent work. Representative Arthur highlighted the importance of protecting Ohio's women and children in their most basic human rights. She stated, "Children should be allowed to grow up, enjoying the innocence of childhood before committing to irreversible life-altering decisions regarding their identity and physical attributes."

The SAFE Act aims to prevent children from being influenced or coerced into making life-altering decisions about their gender identity and physical appearance. The bill's sponsor emphasized the need to shield children from harmful messages that advocate for medical interventions at a young age. Representative Arthur echoed this sentiment, saying, "It is hard to fathom that we live in a society that would tell children they should choose drugs and scalpels to live their authentic lives and should make that life-altering choice while still a child."

The Ohio House voted 65 to 28 in favor of overriding the Governor's veto, reflecting the commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of women and children in the state. Representative Arthur expressed her hope that the Ohio Senate would also support these measures soon, reinforcing the basic rights and protections for women and children in Ohio.

The decision to override the veto demonstrates the ongoing efforts to ensure that children have the opportunity to grow up without undue influence and pressure to make irreversible decisions about their identities. The Ohio House's action sends a clear message that the safety and freedom of women and children remain a top priority in the state.

The debate surrounding these bills has sparked conversations about the appropriate age for individuals to make decisions regarding their gender identity and participation in sports. It is a complex issue with varying perspectives, and the Ohio House's decision reflects one side of the ongoing debate.

As the Ohio Senate prepares to take up the discussion on these bills, the voices of advocates and opponents will undoubtedly be heard. However, for now, the Ohio House's overriding of the SAFE Act and Save Women's Sports Act veto stands as a significant step in protecting the rights and well-being of women and children in Ohio.

To learn more, click on this link: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/sarah-fowler-arthur/news/ohio-house-overrides-safe-act-veto-118140