Open Letter Regarding Executive Orders 25-35 and 25-36

The Honorable Mike Braun

Office of the Governor

200 W Washington St. Ste 206,

Indianapolis, IN, 46204

Re: Hoosier Women Respond to Orders Targeting Transgender Hoosiers

Dear Governor Braun,

As leaders and women who represent groups dedicated to the rights and safety of women, we condemn Executive Orders 25-35 and 25-36. These orders unfairly attack transgender Hoosiers, whom we know as our neighbors, family members, and yes, even our sisters and siblings. We note the cynicism of cloaking this action in a message of “protecting women.” We want to be very clear: Governor Braun, we don’t need or want that kind of protection.

As a Senator, you did nothing to defend women when our reproductive rights were taken from us, so we are skeptical of your motivations today. Hoosier women want to make our own choices about healthcare. That is something we have in common, and that is why we stand with trans people today.

We also noted the falsehoods and purposefully provocative language you used to describe the healthcare trans youth receive. That sort of misinformation is familiar -- politicians also mislead the public about the healthcare Hoosier women need. We urge you to learn the facts about trans healthcare.

Regarding sports, the IHSAA and the NCAA both stated there are no transgender women or girls participating in sports in Indiana. Who does the overheated politicization of this issue serve? Not Hoosier women, who’ve seen little investment in sports opportunities. Moreover, states with welcoming policies for transgender people also provide more opportunities for women across the board. Targeting a small, misunderstood group of people with misinformation and provocative language may be politically advantageous, but it is morally wrong and irresponsible. Women know the dangers of this kind of rhetoric.

We will not allow politicians to pit Hoosier women against our transgender friends, neighbors, siblings, and sisters on the eve of International Women’s Day. We ask you to rescind these harmful orders and focus on real, meaningful investments in health, rights, and opportunities for all Hoosiers.

Sincerely,

Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Women4Change, League of Women Voters of Indiana, Stand Up Indiana, Good Trouble Coalition, Indiana Task Force Inc., The Startup Ladies, YWCA of East Central Indiana, American Association of University Women of Indiana, Martin Luther King Dream Team