Youngstown Times

The Ohio House of Representatives has voted to override Governor DeWine's veto of House Bill 68, which includes the SAFE Act and the Save Women's Sports Act. State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County) made the announcement, stating that this is a vital step towards protecting children and upholding the integrity of women's sports in Ohio.

In a statement, Robb Blasdel said, "Today, we've taken a vital step towards protecting children and upholding the integrity of women's sports in Ohio. I voted to override the Governor's veto on House Bill 68, which includes the SAFE Act and the Save Women's Sports Act. I commend my fellow members in the House for their unwavering commitment to advocating for the well-being of children and families. I look forward to our colleagues in the Senate doing the same."

The House's decision to override the veto now sends the bill to the Ohio Senate for consideration. It remains to be seen how the Senate will respond to the veto override.

The SAFE Act and the Save Women's Sports Act are both aimed at protecting the integrity of women's sports in Ohio. The SAFE Act, in particular, focuses on ensuring fair competition by requiring individuals to participate in sports that align with their biological sex. This bill has been a subject of debate and controversy, with opponents arguing that it discriminates against transgender athletes.

Supporters of the bill, however, argue that it is necessary to ensure a level playing field for female athletes. They believe that allowing biological males to compete against females would give them an unfair advantage due to physiological differences.

The Save Women's Sports Act, on the other hand, aims to prevent transgender females from competing in women's sports. The bill states that only individuals assigned female at birth are eligible to participate in women's sports.

The decision to override Governor DeWine's veto reflects a strong commitment by the Ohio House of Representatives to address concerns surrounding women's sports and the inclusion of transgender athletes. It remains to be seen how the Ohio Senate will respond to the veto override and whether the bill will ultimately become law in the state.

In the meantime, the debate over the SAFE Act and the Save Women's Sports Act continues, with advocates and opponents passionately expressing their views on the matter. The focus remains on finding a balance between ensuring fair competition and inclusion in women's sports.

Click this link to access more information: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/monica-robb-blasdel/news/robb-blasdel-announces-house-override-of-governor-dewines-safe-act-save-womens-sports-act-veto-118111