Ohio LGBTQ+ Teens Flood Crisis Hotline with Calls After Governor Signs Bill Requiring Teachers to Out Students to Parents

Governor Mike Dewine (OH-R) signed House Bill 8 on Jan. 8, which will require teachers to notify parents of upcoming discussion of "sexuality content," andof any changes to a student's mental, emotional, and physical health. (Credit: David Himbert; Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

A national crisis hotline reported a surge in calls from LGBTQ+ youth in Ohio just hours after Governor Mike DeWine signed legislation that critics say could force teachers to "out" students to their parents.

The Rainbow Youth Project USA Foundation received 579 calls from LGBTQ+ young people in Ohio on January 8—an alarming increase compared to the monthly state average of 284 calls, WCMH reported. House Bill 8 (H.B. 8), labeled by supporters as the "Parents' Bill of Rights," mandates that teachers notify parents before discussing "sexuality content" and inform them of any changes in a student's mental, emotional, or physical health.