New Ohio group targets political extremism

The founder of a new political group devoted to stamping out extremism says she's fed up with the direction of the Ohio government.

Why it matters: Ohioans Against Extremism is part of a growing coalition of advocacy groups battling state officials in support of abortion access, LGBTQ+ rights, and public education.

State of play: Maria Bruno, a Medina native and OSU law school graduate, created the non-partisan group after nearly three years as Equality Ohio's public policy director.

• She says the decision was spurred by her time combating an "absolute onslaught" of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
• Most recently, lawmakers passed House Bill 68 , which prohibits Ohio minors from receiving gender-affirming health care and prevents transgender athletes from playing on girls' K-12 sports teams.
• GOP legislators overrode the governor's veto of the law, which remains on hold amid a legal challenge.

What she's saying: "I've worked really hard in other realms just frankly trying to get lawmakers to not do bad stuff," she tells Axios.

• "It doesn't seem like they care what the voters think, and I think voters feel that."

Reality check: Bruno acknowledges the challenge of defining political extremism — a law viewed as extreme by one person might be viewed as positive change by another.

• Medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics , consider gender-affirming care to be medically necessary and potentially lifesaving for transgender youth.
• Meanwhile, HB 68 sponsor Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery) has said it is "remarkable that we even need a law to affirm these common-sense policies."

Between the lines: Bruno defines extremism in an Ohio government context as simply any attempt to curb Ohioans' rights.

• "Everyone is worthy of living and working with dignity, regardless of race, gender, class, religion, immigration status, ability, or identity," the group's website reads .

What's next: The organization will educate voters via a podcast and Substack newsletter when it officially launches next month.

• Bruno says it is not currently registered as a lobbying group, though leadership may testify on legislation in public committee hearings.
• It's relying on donations for early funding support as Bruno seeks more permanent funding.