Some of Georgia’s most powerful lawmakers have stressed that protecting women’s sports is a priority for both the House and Senate this year. Tuesday, the House introduced the Riley Gaines Act which would prevent biological males from competing in women’s sports. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Josh Bonner, R-Fayetteville and a priority of House Speaker Jon Burns, was filed only days after the Senate Committee on Education & Youth passed SB 1 – the Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act by state Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming.
“This issue is simple—men don’t belong in women’s sports,” said Speaker Burns, R-Newington. “The Riley Gaines Act ensures that from now on in our state—young women who have dedicated countless hours, days, and years of their lives to become the best they can be in their sport will never be forced to face a biological male on the field, on the court, or in the locker room.”
Under the Riley Gaines Act, biological males would be prohibited from competing on sports teams designated for girls and women at every level, separate changing facilities, bathrooms and/or locker rooms would be required for athletic events, athletic scholarships designated for women could not be awarded to biological males and private schools that compete against public schools would be required to adhere to the standards set forth in the bill.
“This bill addresses a basic issue of fairness and ensures that female athletes in Georgia are valued and protected,” said bill sponsor Rep. Bonner.
This legislation builds off a prior measure championed by the House during the 2022 legislative session, which was signed into law that same year. House Bill 1084 requires high schools receiving state funding to refrain from participating in or sponsoring athletic events unless the associations have an executive oversight committee. HB 1084 also allows athletic associations to adopt policies preventing male students from competing in female-designated sports, which all member schools must follow.
“This legislation is about protecting our girls and ensuring that every athlete has a level playing field to compete and succeed in Georgia,” said House Floor Leader and bill co-sponsor state Rep. Will Wade, R-Dawsonville. “This legislation is a priority for myself, Speaker Burns and many of my colleagues in the House, and with the support of Governor Kemp, this bill will bolster previous legislation that was passed in 2022. No young girl should spend years and years training, giving everything they have only to arrive at a competition and be forced to compete against a biological male. We are committed to ensuring that Georgia’s young female athletes have a level playing field, not only in school sports but also in the invaluable opportunities that lead to higher education through athletic scholarships. This is about promoting fairness and securing a brighter future for all student athletes.”
