STATEHOUSE (May 24, 2022) – Fulton 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. 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.
"Playing a sport takes dedication and hard work, and girls who want to compete deserve an even playing field," said State Rep. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen). "This works to protect fairness and opportunities 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. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) said concerned parents reached out after an increasing number of biological males have dominated the national spotlight in girls' athletic events across the nation.
"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."
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. Douglas Gutwein (R-Francesville) 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.
"Biological males competing against Hoosier girls in school sports shouldn't be allowed, which is why I voted to override the governor's veto," Gutwein said. "This legislation is about protecting female athletes and ensuring they aren't stripped of any opportunities."
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. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) represents House District 17,
which includes all of Marshall County and a portion of Fulton County.
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. Douglas Gutwein (R-Francesville) represents House District 16, which
includes all of Pulaski County and portions of Fulton, Jasper, Newton and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
