COLUMBUS, Ohio — Next week, the Ohio House is scheduled to meet for a special session to possibly override Gov. Mike DeWine's veto on House Bill 68. The bill would ban gender-affirming care and prohibit transgender women from participating in women's sports.
The bill directly impacts Nick Zingarelli. He hopes the Legislature does not override the governor's veto. His 14-year-old daughter has received gender-affirming care in Ohio. To Zingarelli that care, is healthcare.
“We went through counseling to confirm this is real, this is legitimate, and this is how she truly feels,” said Zingarelli.
He said it wasn’t a snap decision for his family. It took time and advice from medical experts.
“We hear representatives say there isn’t information, isn’t science, these are half-cooked ideas. That is false. There is science, information and lived experiences,” said Zingarelli.
Zingarelli wants the Legislature to hear again from families who need this care.
“If they will take the time to listen and learn and be informed with a truly open mind and hear them, we believe they will reach the same conclusion that Gov. DeWine did,” said Zingarelli.
Zingarelli said if this veto does get overridden then he and his family will get their care for their daughter elsewhere.
“The care exists in plenty of places in this country. So we would do what we had to do in order to get her the care she needs,” he said.
He wants parents to put themselves in his shoes.
“Imagine you made a decision that was best for your children, your family and then imagine the government decides they want to interfere in that. And insert their judgment over yours,” said Zingarelli.