Cook, Jeter Help Override Veto To Protect Girls’ Sports

State Reps. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) and Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) 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. Jeter, who co-authored the bill, said 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. 

“My young daughters, and all Hoosier girls, deserve a fair and level playing field in sports,” Jeter said. “I strongly believe this is a much-needed step to protect female athletes and their opportunities to compete, earn spots on teams and obtain scholarships.

Indiana will join at least 16 other states that have similar laws on the books protecting female sports. Jeter said concerned parents reached out after an increasing number of biological males have dominated the national spotlight in girls’ athletic events across the nation.

There are certain biological differences that give males an unfair advantage over females in sports, like greater muscle mass, bone density and cardio capacity. Cook 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.

“Nearly 50 years ago, we federally passed Title IX to give women the right to equal opportunity in sports. Now, we’re seeing those rights are being threatened across the country,” Cook said. “This override indicates that Indiana stands with our female athletes, and this new law will protect their athletic opportunities now and in the future.”

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.