STATEHOUSE (May 24, 2022) – St. Joseph 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 girls deserve fairness and opportunities in sports," said State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger). "This law will ensure a level playing field for our female student athletes."
Indiana will join at least 16 other states that have similar laws on the books protecting female sports. State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) said concerned parents reached out after an increasing number of biological males have dominated the national spotlight in girls' athletic events across the nation.
"This law is to maintain equality and fairness for female athletes," Teshka said. "It's important girls can continue competing on athletic teams, win sporting events and secure 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. State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) 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.
"The protections in this law help preserve important advancements made throughout the years on behalf of female athletes," Wesco said. "With continued threats to girls' opportunities, it was time to act."
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.
-30-
State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5,
which includes portions of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7,
which includes the majority of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
