Ohio health official's sports comment sparks clash with progressive lawmakers

Dr. Amy Acton's statement opposing boys in girls' sports has drawn sharp criticism from Ohio's Democratic Progressive Caucus and transgender candidate Arienne Childrey.

During a virtual meeting held nearly a month after the Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee commented on a Supreme Court ruling, Dr. Amy Acton affirmed her opposition to boys playing in girls' sports, citing existing state law. The Ohio Democratic Progressive Caucus and transgender candidate Arienne Childrey publicly condemned the remarks, accusing Acton of causing damage without offering a retraction. Childrey claimed LGBTQ+ participants were silenced and some were denied entry, prompting the Pride Caucus chair to bring her onto a live speakerphone.

Childrey characterized the meeting as a token gesture lacking genuine commitment to redress. Equality Ohio responded by lowering Acton's score from an “A” to “pending,” describing her comments as extremely harmful and indicating that accountability remains possible. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over Ohio's HB 68, a law protecting women's sports enacted in 2024.