A national crisis hotline reported a surge in calls from LGBTQ+ youth in Ohio just hours after Governor Mike DeWine signed legislation that critics say could force teachers to "out" students to their parents.
The Rainbow Youth Project USA Foundation received 579 calls from LGBTQ+ young people in Ohio on January 8—an alarming increase compared to the monthly state average of 284 calls, WCMH reported. House Bill 8 (H.B. 8), labeled by supporters as the "Parents' Bill of Rights," mandates that teachers notify parents before discussing "sexuality content" and inform them of any changes in a student's mental, emotional, or physical health.
TransOhio, the state's only trans-led organization, condemned the legislation. "This bill endangers lives," the group warned. "It strips transgender and nonbinary youth of the safe spaces they need to confide in educators and school staff, putting them at risk of being outed to unsupportive families."
Additionally, the hotline received 82 calls from educators seeking guidance on how to navigate their responsibilities under the new law, highlighting widespread concern among school staff about the potential harm to vulnerable students.
Defending the bill, Gov. DeWine said it empowers parents by keeping them informed. "Parents are the first teachers, they're the best teachers," he stated. "We love these students as we love anybody else, and they're welcome in our schools. But parents, again, having information—they're the most likely people to help that child."
Supporters, including the Center for Christian Virtue, praised the law for reinforcing parental rights in decisions about their children's healthcare and education. "H.B. 8 protects children by safeguarding parents' rights to make important decisions for their children," said Aaron Baer, the organization's president.
However, Equality Ohio, which advocates for LGBTQ+ across the state, expressed disappointment, likening the bill to Florida's controversial "Don't Say Gay" law. "H.B. 8 did nothing to create a school that welcomes LGBTQ+ Ohio students as they are," said Dwayne Steward, Equality Ohio's executive director. "And did nothing to support teachers in creating a safe learning environment."
The bill is set to take effect in April.
Originally published by Latin Times.
