Ohio families say they're 'cautiously optimistic' about DeWine's updates for trans bill

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday that he has signed an executive order banning gender transition surgeries for minors in Ohio.

"When I talked to families, not once did they mention that they want to have surgery on their minor child," DeWine said. "That has just never been mentioned."

"It wasn’t really happening in the first place," 16-year-old Parker said. "It's very rare, at least for minors. It's mostly adults who want the surgeries. It won't impact me. I wouldn't want to have any surgery until I am older."

One of the main reasons why DeWine has said he vetoed HB 68 was to save lives.

"Many parents have told me that their children would not have survived, would be dead today if they didn’t receive the treatment they received from one of Ohio’s children’s hospitals," DeWine said during the news conference.

"It’s what you hear all the time," Parker said. "It’s what’s happening a lot. A lot of families lose their kids just because they don’t feel supported or accepted in their own home, their own state, their own country."

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have expedited their efforts to override DeWine's veto of House Bill 68.

Members of the Ohio House are returning early and are scheduled to meet on Jan. 10 as they consider that potential override.

"No. I don't feel accepted," Parker said. "I feel accepted by some of the people in Ohio. But not by Ohio itself."

DeWine responded to questions about his veto possibly being overridden by House lawmakers.

That’s fine, they have the constitutional right to do that," DeWine said. "They will do what they think is best. I've stated in my position very I have clearly that it should be the parents who are involved in this decision making not the state of Ohio."

Parker said they hope lawmakers hear the voices of those who would be impacted by overriding the governor's veto.

"They need to listen," Parker said. "Make sure that you educate yourself before making a big decision like this that could change lives and even take away lives as well."

Parker said the last few months, their family has been consumed by making plans based on what state lawmakers decide to do about HB 68. They said they wish this was something they did not have to worry about so they could focus on what every other 16-year-old student is focused on.

Getting my driver’s license, moving out, that is what should be stressing me," Parker said. "Going to a dance. Going to prom. I’m stressing about finding a date. That is what I need to be stressing about, not this."