Petition to Oppose Executive Order 25-36: Defending the Rights and Dignity of Transgender Hoosiers

We call for the immediate repeal of Executive Order 25-36, signed by Governor Mike Braun on March 4, 2025. This executive order mandates that all state agencies, including the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), recognize only two genders—male and female—thereby erasing the identities of transgender and nonbinary individuals.

Summary of Executive Order 25-36

Executive Order 25-36 asserts that Indiana will not "go along with the radical new idea of what gender means" and prohibits state agencies from recognizing any gender identity beyond male and female. Governor Braun justifies this action by claiming that acknowledging gender identity is a "radical new idea" and that tax dollars should not be used to promote this ideology. The executive order also bans transgender women and girls from participating in women's or girls' sports in schools in the state of Indiana .

Our Concerns

Violation of Human Rights and Dignity

By denying recognition of transgender and nonbinary identities, Executive Order 25-36 infringes upon the fundamental human rights of individuals to exist authentically and be acknowledged for who they are. This denial can lead to increased stigma, discrimination, and mental health challenges for transgender and nonbinary Hoosiers.

Exclusion from Public Services

The implementation of this executive order means that transgender individuals will be unable to have their gender identity accurately reflected on official state documents, such as driver's licenses and identification cards. This exclusion can lead to difficulties in accessing essential services, employment opportunities, and legal protections.

Contradiction to Medical and Psychological Consensus

The medical and psychological communities recognize that gender identity is a deeply held sense of being male, female, or another gender, which may not align with the sex assigned at birth. Denying recognition of gender identity contradicts established medical and psychological understanding and can harm the well-being of transgender individuals.

Impact on Youth

For transgender youth, the ability to have their gender identity acknowledged by state agencies is crucial for their mental health and development. Executive Order 25-36 sends a harmful message to transgender youth that their identities are invalid and unworthy of recognition.

We urge Governor Mike Braun to:

• Immediately repeal Executive Order 25-36 to restore the rights and dignity of transgender and nonbinary Individuals.
• Implement policies that affirm and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender identity.
• Engage with transgender and nonbinary communities to understand their needs and experiences, ensuring that state policies are inclusive and supportive

By signing this petition, we stand in solidarity with transgender and nonbinary individuals and affirm our commitment to equality, dignity, and human rights for all.