Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a law Wednesday banning transgender kids from kindergarten to college at Ohio public and private institutions from using multiperson bathrooms that match their gender identity.

DeWine signed the measure behind closed doors on Tuesday, despite opposition from Democrats, teachers' unions, and human rights groups, as Breitbart News reported.

The Republican-backed “Protect All Students Act” requires public and private schools, colleges, and universities to designate separate bathrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations “for the exclusive use” of males and females, based on birth gender, in school buildings and other facilities used for school-sponsored events.

“It revolves around safety, security, and, I think, common sense. It protects our children and grandchildren in private spaces where they are most vulnerable,” Ohio state Sen. Jerry Cirino (R) and the bill’s sponsor said.

Negative Response

Equality Ohio, the state’s LGBTQ+ advocacy and legal aid organization, has offered the exaggerated protest to the law, saying it poses risks to transgender youth “or anyone perceived as transgender by authorities.”

“We are deeply disappointed that Governor DeWine has allowed this dangerous bill to become law that puts vulnerable trans youth at risk for abuse and harassment,” Executive Director Dwayne Steward said in a statement.

The group said it will continue to fight “for a state that embraces and respects all its residents.”

With DeWine's signature, Ohio joins Republican politicians, including President-elect Donald Trump, in opposing transgender rights' increased visibility and acceptance.

Other States' Orders

The provision of gender-affirming medical services to transgender children has been either reinstated or outright prohibited in 26 states.

Arguments about the continued enforceability of Tennessee's prohibition on such treatments are set to take place before the U.S. Supreme Court on Dec. 4. The outcome of this case is expected to have implications for laws in other states as well.

Public schools and other government buildings in at least eleven states have banned transgender students from using gender-specific restrooms. One of these places is Ohio.

Plus, there are regulations in place in at least 24 states that limit the athletic events that transgender women and girls can participate in.

More on Ohio's Law

The GOP-led Ohio Legislature passed the restroom measure on Nov. 13, during Transgender Awareness Week, after 19 months of deliberation.

It was included to a separate Ohio House bill pertaining to College Credit Plus, which gives high schools college credit.

In the last weeks of his campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump's team actively opposed transgender rights, including vows to keep men out of women's sports and ads stating, "Kamala's for they/them. President Trump supports you.”