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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, June 6th, 2022.
Later in the program, the Indiana General Assembly overrode Governor Eric Holcomb’s veto effectively banning transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams. In today’s show, we feature audio testimony from concerned Indiana residents. More in the bottom half of tonight’s program.
Also coming up in the next half hour, we have an excerpt from BloomingOUT – our LGBTQ+ Affairs Program, tackling the anti transgender sports law. But first, your daily headlines:
Monroe County Commissioners
On June 1st at the Monroe County Commissioners meeting, Commissioners heard from Facility and Fleet Manager Greg Crohn, who asked them to approve funding for an HVAC system at election central.
Crohn shared that since the building used to be the former Napa Autoshop, its HVAC system isn’t adequate for the election equipment and for future storage. The $9,615 (nine thousand six hundred and fifteen dollar) unit would help maintain the ballot room’s climate.
The commissioners approved the purchase of the HVAC system.
County Attorney Jeff Cockerill shared that they have received complaints about an encampment where people experiencing homelessness have settled. He said that they are going to evict the individuals.
Commissioner Julie Thomas commented that it is a difficult situation, but that they have to keep everyone safe.
The commissioners approved the contract with BioOne Indianapolis to clean up the encampment.
The next commissioners meeting will be held on June 8th.
Monroe County Criminal Justice Response Committee
Committee members discussed their vision for a new facility during the June 1st Monroe County Criminal Justice Response Committee meeting.
Committee member Lee Jones mentioned that changing the name of the jail could help in carrying out their vision.
Committee member Jennifer Crossley said she agreed with the name change and that she hopes the committee will help redefine criminal justice.
The committee agreed to discuss actionable steps to develop a more equitable criminal justice response at their June 22nd meeting.
Anti Transgender Law in Indiana
Late last month, the Indiana General Assembly overrode Governor Eric Holcomb’s veto effectively banning transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams.
Holcomb previously claimed the ban was unnecessary and expressed concern the policy would leave the state vulnerable to lawsuits.
However, the House overrode the governor’s veto with a 67-28 vote, while the Senate voted 32-15 to overturn the governor’s objection to the law.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, at least 18 states have introduced restrictions on transgender sports participation in recent years.
Bloomington Pride Board Chair Janae Cummings spoke to legislators inside the Statehouse earlier this year in opposition to House Enrolled Act 1041.
“There are no examples of boys pretending to be girls to gain an unfair advantage and requiring trans girls to compete on boys’ teams effectively excludes them from playing at all, and it devastates me to imagine the moment where we have to tell any of them that we live in a place where they aren’t allowed to play. This aggressively cruel legislation discriminates against children, and it is simply unconscionable,” said Cummings.
Athlete Angie Martinez testified to the general assembly saying that the law seeks to discriminate against transgender girls and sends the message they are not welcome in schools.
“I’ve been an athlete all my life from school sports all the way to the women’s semi pros. I’ve had the honor and privilege to play alongside girls and boys, some who happen to be trans, and I have value for my teammates and competitors alike. Because to me, that’s what sports is about. I don’t consider trans girls, trans women to be a threat. I’m insulted at the fact that this bill and these transgressions are happening,” said Martinez.
Kit Malone, advocacy strategist for the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, told legislators that trans students should have the right to play school sports – just like anyone else.
“There is no place in Indiana where trans girls have taken over girls’ sports teams. The IHSAA sets guidelines for participation and has strict guidelines on trans participation. This bill seeks to solve a problem where one does not exist and demonizes trans children unnecessarily. I want to state this unequivocally: trans people by whatever name you choose to call them are your neighbors, your friends, your family members and students in your schools. How can we possibly do this? We’ve been in Indiana for as long as there has been an Indiana,” said Malone.
ACLU Indiana has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, on behalf of a 10-year-old transgender girl who plays on her school’s girls’ softball team.
The lawsuit argues that preventing transgender girls from playing girls’ sports violates Title IX because it discriminates on the basis of sex.
The suit claims the new law is considered discriminatory toward individuals on the basis of transgender status and sex, according to the Equal Protection Clause of the United States constitution.
To learn more about the lawsuit, www.aclu-in.org/en/press-releases/trans-athlete-ban-immediately-challenged-aclu-indiana.
Feature Reports:
Up next, we have some recent prison-related news and announcements from the producers of Kite Line – our public affairs program devoted to prison issues in the Midwest and beyond. Kite Line airs each Friday at 5:30 p.m. on WFHB. The program is available online or wherever you get your podcasts.
In January of this year, WFHB’s LGBTQ+ Affairs program BloomingOUT hosted a panel discussion over what was then called House Bill 1041. In today’s feature report, we revisit an excerpt from that two-part series. To listen to the full two-part series, tap the links below.
BloomingOUT January 27th, 2022 – Trans Youth In Sports Bill Pt. 1
BloomingOUT February 2nd, 2022 – Trans Youth In Sports Bill Pt. 2
Credits:
Today’s headlines were written by Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Melanie Davis.
Kite Line is produced by Mia Beach.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
