Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed into law a bill boosting parental rights. House Bill 8 requires teachers and school officials to notify parents or guardians to any changes in their child’s behavior, specifically “any request by a student to identify as a gender that does not align with the student’s biological sex.”

Also referred to as a Parents’ Bill of Rights, the measure was initially introduced by State Rep. D.J. Swearingen and former State Rep. Sara Carruthers. The bill passed the House by a 57-31 vote. In the Senate, the vote was 24-7.

The new law also requires parental consent for any school lessons involving sexual or controversial topics, including teaching on gender.

“Parents know and love their children best, which is why they are best suited to make decisions about their children’s upbringing, education, and care. Thankfully, HB 8 rightfully recognizes this truth as a fundamental right,” said Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Matt Sharp following DeWine’s signing of the bill. “This critical legislation safeguards children from secret social transition by ensuring school officials do not hide crucial information from parents about their child’s mental health and well-being. It increases parental involvement in their child’s education by letting parents opt their child out of objectionable sexual content.”

The final provision in HB 8 instructs public schools to adopt policies protecting students’ ability to take time for religious instruction. Students will now be allowed to leave school for religious teaching, as long as transportation is provided and attendance does not interfere with core curriculum learning time.

Lifewise, a Christian education program based in Ohio, helped make HB 8’s religious instruction provision possible. Lifewise transports students off property—with parental permission—for Bible classes in Ohio and 28 other states.

The Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) also released a statement praising the new law. “Whether it’s a decision about health care, 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, HB 8 puts parents back in control,” said CCV President Aaron Baer.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine delivers remarks before signing Senate Bill 7 into law Jan. 27, 2020. Photo: Alamy