(Indianapolis, IN) - Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has vetoed a bill banning transgender females from participating in girls' school sports.

Political experts were surprised because the governor is a Republican, and Republican lawmakers in the statehouse heavily supported the measure.

Holcomb said the bill would likely have been challenged in court. Holcomb questioned whether it was solving any pressing issue. He also believes that this is not an issue the legislator should solve and instead be something that the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) should control and manage. 

Supporters say transgender females who are biologically male have an unfair advantage over traditional female athletes. Many point to the case of collegiate swimmer Lia Thomas. Last week, Thomas became the first openly transgender woman to win an NCAA swimming title.