STATEHOUSE (May 25, 2022) – State Reps. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) and Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) 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. 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.
"I will always treasure watching my granddaughters play sports, and with this new law we hope to protect those opportunities for Hoosier girls to compete," Cherry said. "This will ensure fair competition so that female athletes don't miss out on scholarships or spots on their teams."
Indiana will join at least 16 other states that have similar laws on the books protecting female sports. Jeter, co-author of the legislation, said concerned parents reached out after an increasing number of biological males have dominated the national spotlight in girls' athletic events across the nation.
"My young daughters and all Hoosier girls deserve a fair and level playing field in sports," Jeter said. "I strongly believe this is a much-needed step to protect female athletes and their opportunities to compete, earn spots on teams and obtain 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. Jeter 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.
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. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) represents House District 53,
which includes portions of Hancock and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Marion, Hamilton and Hancock counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
