On Tuesday, the Indiana state legislature overrode Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb’s veto of legislation prohibiting biologically male athletes from participating in women’s sports in public schools.

HEA 1041, which takes effect on July 1, compels public schools to divide sports into divisions based on gender and heredity. In March 2022, Holcomb vetoed HEA 1041, claiming that the measure did not provide a clear state policy regarding equity in K-12 sports in Indiana.

Today, legislators successfully voted to override the governor's veto and protect the integrity of girls' sports. This new law prohibits biological males from competing on girls' K-12 sports teams. Learn more: https://t.co/kijQHmkY09 pic.twitter.com/nqhZzhwgOD

— Indiana House Republicans (@INHouseGOP) May 24, 2022

The Indiana House voted 67-28 to override the veto, while the Indiana Senate voted 32-15 to do so.

In January, Republican state Rep. Michelle Davis, the bill’s sponsor, stated, “I think it’s trying to keep the focus on female sports and fair competition with sports. I believe that is the bill’s intended audience.”

Private schools that compete against public schools will also be required to respect the law. For compliance with the law, schools will not be held liable in civil, administrative, disciplinary, or criminal proceedings.

In his March veto letter, Holcomb stated, “Finally, the presumption of the policy laid out in HEA 1041 is that there is an existing problem in K-12 sports in Indiana that requires additional state government intervention.”

“It means that in competitive female sports, the ideals of consistency and fairness are not being reached. Even if I agree with the overarching intent, I can’t find any evidence to back up either assertion.”

The governor’s office did not immediately reply to a request for comment.