In late December last year, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a bill that would have banned biological boys from participating in girls’ sports and protected minor children from so-called gender affirming procedures including administering puberty blockers, chemical castration, and mutilating surgeries.
H.B. 68, known as the Saving Adolescents From Experimentation (SAFE) Act, would also level the playing field for girls vying for athletic scholarships and protect their privacy rights. Governor DeWine’s veto message contained familiar talking points spouted by the left in their attempt to justify these unproven and dangerous procedures.
However, AMAC members in the Buckeye State weren’t buying the Governor’s talking points. They mobilized to voice their passionate support for the integrity of girls’ sports and the protection of Ohio’s children.
First, they contacted their representatives in the Ohio State House and sent over 1,870 messages compelling them to override the Governor’s veto. The pressure from AMAC members worked as the House voted to override by a 65-28 margin on January 10.
AMAC members then focused their efforts on the Ohio Senate and made an additional 1,425 contacts with their senators telling them to follow their colleagues’ lead in the House and override the veto. This endeavor was equally successful when the Senate voted overwhelmingly to override by a 23-9 tally on January 24. Thanks to the engagement of AMAC members in Ohio, the SAFE Act is prepared to become law in 90 days.
“This is what we do at AMAC Action,” said President Bob Carlstrom. “We provide AMAC members with the platforms they need to ensure their voice is heard on important issues like H.B. 68. I could not be prouder of how quickly AMAC members in Ohio mobilized and am grateful for 3,300-plus messages they sent to help facilitate this veto. The voice of AMAC members is truly a force to be reckoned with.”
This victory by AMAC members is a strong and significant start to what will surely be an action-packed 2024. Look for more call-to-action campaigns from AMAC Action on important issues like H.B. 68 and join with other AMAC members to amplify the voice of conservative mature Americans. There is strength in numbers!
