STATEHOUSE (May 24, 2022) – Cass County legislators today joined the majority of Indiana's lawmakers in successfully overriding the governor's veto of legislation protecting the integrity of girls' sports.
House and Senate legislators voted on Tuesday at the Statehouse to override the governor's veto of House Enrolled Act 1041, which prohibits biological males from competing in K-12 girls' sports in Indiana. State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) said the vote came as part of technical corrections day, where lawmakers can take up any vetoes and fix technical errors in laws passed during the prior session.
"Women fought for and deserve equal athletic opportunities," Manning said. "Female athletes shouldn't be pushed to the sidelines, and this veto override will protect competition for Hoosier girls now and in the future."
Indiana will join at least 16 other states that have similar laws on the books protecting female sports. State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) said concerned parents reached out after an increasing number of biological males have dominated the national spotlight in girls' athletic events across the nation.
"When biological males compete against biological females, there is no longer an equal playing field," VanNatter said. "This is about fairness in sports and ensuring girls have opportunities to play on a team, compete and earn scholarships."
There are certain biological differences that give males an unfair advantage over females in sports, like greater muscle mass, bone density and cardio capacity. State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) said the vote Tuesday was especially important as June marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which ensures women have an equal opportunity to play and compete in sports.
"With their physical advantages, allowing biological males to compete in girls' sports is simply unfair," Lehe said. "Female athletes don't deserve to be put in this situation, and I returned to the Statehouse to stand up for them and override the governor's veto."
In Indiana, a gubernatorial veto can be overridden with a constitutional majority vote in both chambers, and the bill becomes a law without the governor's signature. For more information about House Enrolled Act 1041, effective on July 1, 2022, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) represents House District 25, which
includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) represents House District 23,
which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Howard and Clinton counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
