After sparking recent backlash among many Democrats and LGBTQ+ people across the state, Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has added language to her campaign platform in support of LGBTQ+ Ohioans.
On June 30 – while discussing the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold state bans on transgender athletes – Acton told the Toledo Blade that she plans to enforce Ohio’s current ban on transgender women competing in women’s sports.
“I do not support boys playing in girls sports. This is already settled law in Ohio, and as governor I will enforce and uphold the law,” Acton said. “As a doctor, public servant, and a mom, I will always stand up for fairness and protect kids’ health and safety…”
This statement prompted criticism from Democratic organizations, including the Ohio Democratic Pride Caucus and the Ohio Democrats Progressive Caucus.
Three weeks later, Acton’s website now contains new language to her campaign platform in support of LGBTQ+ Ohioans:
“All Ohioans deserve to be treated fairly and equally under the law. As governor, I am committed to standing up against discrimination and ensuring that every Ohioan – including members of the LGBT community – receives equal protection under the law.”
“I will push for anti-discrimination laws so Ohioans aren’t unjustly fired from their job or denied housing, other public accommodations, or equal pay because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion,” Acton’s official website reads. “As governor, I will be focused on bringing our communities together, not on sowing hatred and division; every Ohioan deserves to live freely and be treated with dignity.”
Acton’s comment in the Toledo Blade appears to reflect a larger political shift among Democrats regarding civil rights for transgender Americans.
Longtime Ohio U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown received backlash from LGBTQ+ leaders following a 2024 campaign ad that cast transgender Ohioans in an unfavorable light.
U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 9th District Marci Kaptur also received backlash from LGBTQ+ Ohioans as one of only eight Democrats in congress to vote for HR 261, a federal bill that would require schools to out transgender students to their parents or legal guardians – regardless of suspected anti-LGBTQ+ abuse in the home.
The Buckeye Flame reached out to Dr. Acton’s campaign staff on July 6 to schedule an interview regarding her candidacy and received this response: “Dr. Acton doesn’t have room in her schedule for this right now.”
Acton is currently polling neck-and-neck with conservative Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy in a highly competitive race for Ohio governor.
Ramaswamy – who has been endorsed by President Trump and Ohio-based anti-LGBTQ+ hate group the Center for Christian Virtue – does not appear to mention LGBTQ+ Ohioans in his official campaign platform.
However, Ramaswamy’s official website says he will “restore a political culture where we can respectfully disagree, while still seeing each other as neighbors, friends, and fellow citizens.”
Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Don Kissick supports a state constitutional amendment to protect marriage equality – but does not mention civil rights for transgender Ohioans in his official campaign platform. 🔥
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- If you are a young LGBTQ+ person in crisis, please contact the Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor.
- If you are an transgender adult in need of immediate help, contact the National Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
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