The Next Four Years

11/19/24

Many Christians around the nation breathed a sigh of relief two weeks ago on Election Night. Once again, pro-family, pro-freedom views will be represented in the White House, US Senate, and US House of Representatives, not to mention the many members of the president’s cabinet who will promote the health, safety, and well-being of American families. At Indiana Family Institute, we are filled with hope for the future and what we will be able to accomplish under a supportive presidential administration. We also want to congratulate our longtime allies, Governor-elect Mike Braun and Lieutenant Governor-elect Micah Beckwith, on their new positions.

Preparation is already underway for the 2025 Legislative Session. The Indiana General Assembly alternates between short and long legislative sessions each year. Since 2025 is an “odd” year, this will be a long session, commencing on January 8 and concluding on April 29 for a total of 61 non-consecutive days. This is over twice as long as last year’s short session, in which we accomplished a great deal. We are hopeful that this longer session will allow us to push even more legislation forward that supports our chief goals of protecting faith, family, and freedom in our state. However, this increased opportunity for victory requires an increase in IFI’s resources and workforce, which inevitably requires increased funding. We hope you’ll consider supporting us in your year-end giving as we prepare for four months of intense work during the session.

Our goal is to generate $170,000 in contributions by December 31st in order to continue expanding our work for the greatest impact on Hoosier families.

We know we can accomplish this goal with your support. Every dollar counts! Your pledge of $25, $50, or $100 goes a long way.

We’re excited about what God has in store for Indiana in 2025. Wouldn’t you like to be part of the next and best chapter for Hoosiers?

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Victory! Children Protected From “Gender Affirming Care” in Indiana

11/15/24

On Wednesday, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that an Indiana law protecting minors from “gender-affirming” medications and surgeries can stand, overturning a district court’s injunction against the law. Children in our state are now protected from medical practitioners prescribing puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, “gender reassignment surgeries,” and any other damaging procedures related to so-called “gender transitions.”This victory is years in the making, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part in this crucial win.

Well before this bill passed into law, we began working with experts to develop the best possible language to protect the interests of families and children in our state. We organized testimony in the Indiana House and Senate and worked closely with legislators to see this bill to the finish line. Senator Tyler Johnson was instrumental in authoring this bill and bringing it to fruition through his hard work, determination, and professional expertise in the medical field. State Representative Joanna King sponsored the legislation in the House and did an amazing job shepherding it through her Chamber. Additionally, we are incredibly grateful for State Representative Julie McGuire’s outstanding efforts to support this bill and walk alongside us and many courageous witnesses and experts before, during, and after the legislation passed, as well as State Representative Michelle Davis who remained a steadfast partner in the months leading up to session and really helped pave the way for this legislation to become law.

We had several detransitioner activists who were incredibly brave in sharing their stories and experiences with legislators on multiple occasions. Some of those individuals included Chloe Cole, Xandra Robertson, Luka Hein, and Corinna Cohn. We organized testimony from family doctors, counselors, endocrinologists, nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists to demonstrate how dangerous “gender affirming care” is both mentally and physically for children.

“We are grateful for this well-reasoned opinion from the 7th Circuit upholding Indiana’s ban on harmful and experimental medical procedures on minors,” IFI’s General Counsel Josh Hershberger said. “As the 7th Circuit stated, ‘Courts have long permitted states to hold closely the power to regulate the practice of medicine. This power is strongest when the safety and effectiveness of the treatment is uncertain, as is true here.’ This opinion is especially important as the United States Supreme Court will hear oral argument on a similar law from Tennessee in early December.” 

Thanks to all of the courageous individuals involved in the passage of this bill and its defense in the courts, children are now protected from dangerous transgender treatments in our state. 

One of our primary goals at Indiana Family Institute is to create a state where families are protected and can thrive. This is one major step toward accomplishing that. Thank you for your support as we continue our year-round mission of defending the family in the legislature, courts, and public square.

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