STATEHOUSE (April 13, 2022) – Local lawmakers support overriding Gov. Eric Holcomb's veto of House Enrolled Act 1041, which they voted for to protect the integrity of girls' K-12 sports in Indiana.
State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) said the bill would ensure biological males don't compete in K-12 girls' sports and stems from parents across the state sharing their concerns about the future of girls' sports. Recently, House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) announced House lawmakers will return to the Statehouse to override the veto on May 24, which is the earliest the Indiana General Assembly can reconvene without the governor calling a special session.
"I was very disappointed in the governor's veto and I look forward to joining my colleagues in overriding it in May," Lindauer said. "Hoosier girls deserve to compete on an even playing field. Biological males would have an unfair advantage based on their body composition and if allowed to compete against biological females, some Hoosier girls would be left standing on the sidelines and miss out on athletic experiences."
A controversial, biological male swimmer at University of Pennsylvania has recently dominated on the women's team, and broke two national swim records in women's events. State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) said there are biological differences that give males advantages over females in sports, including greater muscle mass and bone density, and larger hearts and lungs.
"We've already seen this issue play out at colleges and high schools in other states, and Indiana needs to take action to preserve the integrity of girls' sports," Bartels said. "This law would help ensure young women continue earning spots on teams, competing on a level playing field and earn scholarships. It would not be fair for biological girls to sit on the bench while biological males dominate their sport. Hoosier girls deserve equality and fairness. I am disappointed in the governor's veto and I plan to vote to override it on May 24."
In June, the nation will recognize the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX, which ensured women have equal opportunity to play and compete in sports.
For more information about House Enrolled Act 1041, visit iga.in.gov.
