Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs parental rights bill into law

January 10, 2025

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed a Parental Bill of Rights into law, allowing students to be taken off campus for religious instruction and forbidding schools from not informing parents if their child identifies as the opposite sex.

The Christian Post reports that DeWine signed House Bill 8 on Wednesday, upholding the fundamental right of parents to make decisions regarding their child’s upbringing, education and care.

The bill was vigorously opposed by the Ohio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, along with other progressive groups which labeled it the “unsafe students act.”

In a statement celebrating the signing, Aaron Baer, president of the Columbus-based Center for Christian Virtue stated, “Parents, not government bureaucrats, should be making healthcare and education decisions for their kids. HB8 protects children by safeguarding parents’ rights to make important decisions for their children.”

Baer added, “Whether it’s a decision about healthcare, a decision about when a child has a discussion about sexuality, or a decision over whether a child can access a religious released time program like LifeWise Academy, HB8 puts parents back in control.”

According to the Christian Post, HB8 also mandates that school districts ensure “any sexuality content is age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate for the age of the student receiving the instruction.”

HB8 passed the Ohio Senate last month by a vote of 24-7 and passed in the Ohio House with a vote of 57-31.

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