Statement: Rep. King's Misleading Statements on HB 183 Highlight GOP's Harmful Culture Wars Over Real Policy

While the amended version of HB 183 is already harmful to transgender youth in Ohio’s schools and colleges, Rep. King’s recent social media statement misrepresents its scope. Her claim that “individuals will no longer have to worry about the opposite sex coming into restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms” not only perpetuates harmful rhetoric but also demonstrates a troubling lack of accuracy.

First, there was never a safety issue to begin with. Transgender individuals are not a threat in restrooms, as evidenced by the absence of any such incidents in Ohio. Second, HB 183 only applies to school and college properties—not to facilities beyond those settings. Rep. King’s vague and sloppy language risks fostering confusion, potentially leading to increased harassment and gender policing of transgender people in spaces where the law doesn’t apply.

This is yet another example of Rep. King promoting culture war falsehoods over substantive policy, disregarding the harm her rhetoric can cause. Meanwhile, Ohioans continue to wait for real solutions on issues like capping insulin costs, addressing the nursing shortage, and ensuring transparency in public education funding.

Ohio deserves lawmakers who prioritize practical policies, not performative attacks on marginalized communities. Voters must demand better.

Arienne Childrey

2024 & Future 2026 Candidate for Ohio House