STATEHOUSE (May 24, 2022) – State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) 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.
"The goal of this legislation is to maintain fair competition and integrity in girls' sports," Karickhoff said. "Everyone should have their shot at joining a sports team and competing, and this won't prevent anyone from joining a team. This bill simply ensures Hoosier girls have equal opportunities in athletics."
Indiana will join at least 16 other states that have similar laws on the books protecting female sports. VanNatter 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. VanNatter 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. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30, which includes
portions of Grant and Howard 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.
