The Ohio House of Representatives passed on Wednesday House Bill 8 (HB8). Dubbed “The Parents’ Bill of Rights,” the measure is a significantly strengthens parental control over their children’s education and healthcare. The bill, previously amended and passed by the State Senate received a 57-31 vote.
The Parents’ Bill of Rights now heads to Governor Mike DeWine’s desk for approval.
HB8 is being hailed as a major victory for parental rights advocates. “The days of the ACLU and the most fringe voices on the left driving the political debate in America are over,” Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer said in a statement late Wednesday. “The age of powerful parent voices is here. This bill tells government bureaucrats across Ohio that parents are in charge of their kids’ education and healthcare decisions.”
HB8 includes several provisions designed to protect parental rights, including enhanced notification requirements for public schools regarding the teaching of sexual content. Under the legislation, schools must notify parents in advance about sexual content being taught and provide an option for parents to opt their children out of such lessons. The bill also mandates that parents be notified if their child requests a change of gender recognition at school or if a school counselor encourages a student to “socially transition” to the opposite sex without parental knowledge.
Baer noted that HB8 also protects of religious education. The bill requires school districts to allow students to participate in religious released-time programs like LifeWise Academy and School Ministries Ohio, and it mandates that public schools collaborate with these programs to set appropriate times for instruction during the school day.
HB8 was introduced by Reps. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) and Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton).
“We have a responsibility to support and protect the irreplaceable position that only parents can have in their kids’ lives,” Swearingen said in a statement when the measure initially passed the State House in 2023.
“It is critical that parents have a seat at the table when it comes to their children,” HB8 joint sponsor Carruthers added. “I am honored to have had the opportunity to spearhead this legislation that will join families with schools.”
Baer expressed his gratitude for the leadership shown by lawmakers in passing the bill. “I praise God today for the leadership in the General Assembly that moved to protect parents and kids today. I’m especially thankful for Rep. DJ Swearingen, Rep. Gary Click, Senator Andrew Brenner, and Senate President Matt Huffman.”
For some critics, including Planned Parenthood employees in Ohio public schools, HB8, if signed into law, marks a significant setback. The bill prohibits discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity with children as young as eight, a provision that Baer took the opportunity to address in his Wednesday remarks. “For those disappointed today, it’s probably time to find a new line of work,” Baer said.
Governor Mike DeWine has 10 business days to approve or veto the bill once it reaches his desk.
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Christina Botteri is the Executive Editor at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network
Photo “family with daughter” by sofatutor..
