Riley Gaines Urges Ohio Governor to Sign Ban on Transgender Surgery for Minors

Riley Gaines, a prominent activist and former collegiate swimmer, has called on the Republican Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine, to sign a bill that would ban gender-reassignment treatment for minors and prohibit transgender women from participating in female sports leagues. The Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act has already passed Ohio’s GOP-dominated state legislature and is awaiting DeWine’s signature.

The SAFE Act aims to protect women’s sports and prevent child mutilation by prohibiting doctors from prescribing gender-altering treatments or performing sex reassignment surgeries on minors. It also bans transgender women and girls from participating in female sports leagues.

Governor DeWine has until Friday to sign or veto the bill, otherwise, it will automatically become law without his signature. In response to Gaines’ statement, DeWine’s office has not yet provided a comment.

DeWine has previously acknowledged the contentious nature of the debate surrounding transgender youth and has stated that his decision will be based on what he believes is in the best interest of the children affected by the law.

Laws or policies banning gender transition-related healthcare for minors have been passed in 22 states as of November 2023, according to the Human Rights Campaign. However, court injunctions are currently preventing these laws from being enforced in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Indiana.

Gaines gained national attention after competing against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships. She has since become a vocal advocate for the SAFE Act and testified in favor of the bill at the Ohio State House in November.

The issue of transgender inclusion in women’s sports has become increasingly contentious in recent years, with many advocating for a clear separation between male and female athletes. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Governor DeWine will sign the SAFE Act into law or allow it to become effective without his signature.