BURSTThe Ohio legislature passed what has been dubbed a “Parents’ Bill of Rights” on Wednesday, sending it to the Republican governor’s desk where it is most likely to be signed.
The legislation was passed in the state Senate 24-7, with only one Republican voting against the measure. The state House approved the bill 57-31.
The bill requires parents to be notified about “sexuality content” that would be taught in classrooms, with the option for the children to be opted out of the discussions.
Schools will also be required to notify parents if their child requests counseling or asks to be called by a different name or pronoun.
"Schools should not have the broad authority to keep secret information about someone else's child. Children are not a ward of the state or a school district and are to be raised and guided by their parents," state Sen. Andy Brenner (R) said, WOSU Public Media reported.
The bill was strongly opposed by Democrats and LGBTQ advocates who see it as perilous for kids.
“It's dangerous, and I've worked with children who have come to me, a trusted adult, who are suicidal and questioning their identity. It's dangerous. It would have risked their safety and well being to out them, and this bill will not help anybody," said state Rep. Jodi Whitted (D), the Columbus Dispatch reported.
If signed into law, the legislation also requires schools to allow children to leave the building to get religious instruction during the school day, under programs such as the Lifewise Academy. Some K-12 schools already offer this option, but before it was up to the local school boards whether it was allowed.
The bill has been sent to the desk Gov. Mike DeWine (R), who has voiced support for such reforms in the past.