Indy Standard

The Indiana Senate has passed legislation authored by State Representative Michelle Davis aimed at safeguarding women's sports in colleges across the state. The legislation now moves forward to the governor for consideration.

"Ensuring fairness in collegiate sports is essential to protecting opportunities for female athletes," Davis stated. "Biological differences impact athletic performance, and this bill helps maintain a level playing field. I'm grateful to my colleagues in the House and Senate for advancing this legislation. Indiana needs to remain a leader on this issue and continue standing up for female athletes."

House Enrolled Act 1041 seeks to prevent biological males from competing in female sports at the post-secondary level in Indiana. This bill resonates with executive orders at both federal and state levels, signed by President Donald Trump and Governor Mike Braun, respectively. Representative Davis received invitations to attend both signing ceremonies, acknowledging her leadership on this issue. Her bill aims to incorporate these principles into state law.

Elle Patterson, a former volleyball player from San Jose State, spoke in favor of the bill during hearings by the House Education Committee and the Senate Education and Career Development Committee. She explained her experience of losing a volleyball scholarship to a biological male athlete and facing compelled accommodation and comparison challenges.

Previously, Davis also authored House Enrolled Act 1041 during the 2022 legislative session, which barred biological males from participating in female sports at the K-12 school level.

For further information on the bill and to track the legislative session, visit iga.in.gov.