Columbus: Gender-Affirming Care Ban Harms our Cities and Our Children
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~ The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has released its 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) scores, which assess the inclusivity of municipal laws, policies, and services in cities and towns across the United States. Unfortunately, many cities in Ohio have seen a decrease in their scores due to the recent ban on age-appropriate and medically necessary health care for transgender youth by the state legislature.

Cities such as Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo have been recognized for their efforts in providing transgender-inclusive health care benefits to their employees and dependents. However, the state's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-nonconforming youth has hindered these cities from receiving higher scores on this important measure of LGBTQ+ inclusion.

While some Ohio cities were able to maintain strong scores thanks to local policies and services that support LGBTQ+ residents, the impact of the state's anti-trans law goes beyond just scorecards. It affects access to healthcare for transgender individuals, as well as business attraction, tourism, and reputation for cities throughout Ohio. Most importantly, it harms children and families who call these cities home.

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A study conducted by HRC in 2023 found that 42.9% of LGBTQ+ adults in Ohio would consider moving to a different state if a ban on gender-affirming care were to be passed or enacted. Additionally, legislation that discriminates against LGBTQ+ individuals is opposed by both Ohioans and hundreds of major U.S. corporations. Despite Governor Mike DeWine vetoing the gender-affirming care ban, the state legislature overrode his veto in 2024 and made it into law. Furthermore, Ohio Senate Bill 104 – an anti-trans bathroom ban – is also expected to become law in the state.

"These laws and proposals serve no purpose other than to encourage hate and exclusion," stated Mayor Andrew J. Ginther of Columbus – a city that maintained its perfect 100-point score on the MEI. "While our city does everything we can to empower and lift up all our youth, the state law prevents parents in our city from making health care decisions for and with their child."

Mayors play a crucial role in protecting LGBTQ+ communities, even in the face of discriminatory legislation and harmful rhetoric. Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb stated, "In Cleveland, we are focused on maintaining existing local protections, expanding youth mental health services, building a pipeline to housing for vulnerable populations, and promoting inclusive health care, education, and employment practices." While pleased with Cleveland's 100-point MEI score, Mayor Bibb acknowledges that there is still work to be done and that it will be an ongoing effort.

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Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz also expressed pride in his city's efforts to champion welcoming and inclusive policies that empower individuals and families to make their own choices. He stated, "Our consistently strong rankings in studies like these are a testament to that commitment."

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik highlighted the importance of offering gender-affirming care benefits to employees. "A recent study found that 82% of transgender individuals experience suicidal ideation," he said. "It's clear: gender-affirming care saves lives." He also noted that Akron has earned a perfect 100 on the HRC Municipal Equality Index for seven out of the last eight years and will continue striving for this goal each year.

As mayors continue to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity in their cities, it is evident that discriminatory laws such as Ohio's ban on gender-affirming care have far-reaching consequences beyond just numbers on a scorecard. The fight for equality and acceptance must continue at both the local and state levels.

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