STATEHOUSE (May 24, 2022) – Hendricks 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.
"Hoosier female athletes work hard to excel in their chosen sports," said State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton). "They deserve to have their opportunities to compete and earn scholarships protected."
Indiana will join at least 16 other states that have similar laws on the books protecting female sports. Thompson said concerned parents reached out after an increasing number of biological males have dominated the national spotlight in girls' athletic events across the nation.
"Sports are about fair competition, and this law works to protect female athletes who face a disadvantage from the start when competing against biological males," said State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon).
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. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) 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.
"So much progress has been made to ensure women have an even playing field when competing in sports," Behning said. "Passing protections like this law will help preserve those advancements."
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 Behning (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 91,
which includes portions of Hendricks and Marion counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) represents House District 40,
which includes a portion of Hendricks County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) represents House District 28,
which includes portions of Hendricks and Boone counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
