Indiana has taken a firm stand in defense of fairness and biological reality by enacting a new law that prohibits males from competing and protecting women’s collegiate sports. House Bill 1041, now officially signed into law by Governor Mike Braun, affirms that athletic competition should be based on a student’s biological sex—not self-declared gender identity.
The law is a common-sense measure rooted in both science and fairness. It states clearly that “a male, based on a student’s biological sex at birth in accordance with the student’s genetics and reproductive biology, may not participate on an athletic team or sport designated… as being a female, women’s, or girls’ athletic team or sport.” It also includes protections for students who report violations of this law, ensuring they cannot be retaliated against for standing up for women’s sports.
Alliance Defending Freedom legal counsel Erica Steinmiller-Perdomo praised the move, saying, “Indiana is right to ensure that female athletes of all ages have a fair and level playing field so that the integrity of women’s sports is protected.” She thanked Rep. Michelle Davis and Sen. Stacey Donato for their leadership, adding that Governor Braun’s action “is restoring common sense and protecting Indiana women for generations to come.”
The law passed with strong support in both chambers—71-25 in the House and 42-6 in the Senate—demonstrating that a wide majority of Indiana’s elected officials recognize the importance of protecting women’s spaces and competition.
While left-wing activists such as the ACLU of Indiana denounced the law as “discriminatory,” their argument overlooks the simple truth: allowing biological males to compete against women not only undermines the purpose of female sports but endangers hard-earned opportunities for girls and women to compete on a level playing field. The ACLU’s rhetoric continues to ignore the biological advantages men have in strength, speed, and size—advantages that cannot be erased by identity claims or hormone treatments.
Indiana’s law follows a growing national trend. At least 25 states have passed similar laws, with others implementing policies through education departments and state agencies. This movement received a major boost when President Donald Trump signed the “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order in February, affirming that Title IX protections for women should remain just that—protections for women.
At a time when common sense is under attack, Indiana is leading by example and putting the needs of real female athletes first. This law is not only a win for fairness but a step toward restoring clarity and order in an area long hijacked by political ideology.