Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed the Riley Gaines Act, a groundbreaking law requiring student athletes to compete on teams matching their biological sex while also banning transgender individuals from using opposite-sex facilities.
At a Glance
- The Riley Gaines Act requires K-12 and college athletes in Georgia to compete according to their biological sex, not gender identity
- The law also mandates separate restrooms, locker rooms, and sleeping quarters based on biological sex
- Named after former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines, who tied with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in a 2022 NCAA championship
- Georgia joins more than 25 other states with similar legislation protecting women’s sports
- The law takes effect July 1, 2025
Georgia Joins Growing Movement to Protect Women’s Sports
Governor Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 1, officially known as the “Riley Gaines Act of 2025,” making Georgia the latest state to prohibit transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports. The legislation, sponsored by Republican State Senator Greg Dolezal, requires schools to designate sports teams as male, female, or coed. It mandates that students compete on teams that align with their biological sex as listed on their birth certificate, not their gender identity. The new law applies to all public K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and private teams competing against public teams.
“This common sense legislation is about what is fair and safe for our children. Girls should not have to share a playing field, a restroom, or locker room with boys,” said Governor Brian Kemp.
The bill was a priority for House Speaker Jon Burns and Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, both Republicans. According to a poll cited during legislative debates, over 70% of Georgia voters support requiring athletes to compete according to their birth certificate sex. This measure builds upon previous actions, as the Georgia High School Association had already voted to require athletes to compete based on birth certificate sex.
Who is Riley Gaines?
The legislation is named after Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer who has become a prominent advocate for protecting women’s sports. Gaines gained national attention after tying with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas for fifth place in the 200-meter freestyle at the 2022 NCAA Championships. Despite the tie, the trophy was awarded to Thomas, fueling Gaines’ advocacy against biological males competing in women’s sports.
“Such a tremendous honor. There are few causes more worthy than protecting opportunities for the next generation,” said Riley Gaines about having the legislation named after her.
The bill was notably passed on March 31, coinciding with Transgender Day of Visibility, a day dedicated to transgender advocacy. This timing added symbolic significance to the legislation that supporters view as a protection for women’s sports and opponents criticize as harmful to transgender youth.
Beyond Sports Competition
The Riley Gaines Act extends beyond sports competition. Schools must enforce policies requiring transgender students to use restrooms, locker rooms, and sleeping quarters according to their biological sex. This provision addresses concerns about privacy and safety in these facilities, according to supporters of the legislation.
“This is a proud and decisive moment for Georgia. This legislation restores fairness and preserves the integrity of women’s athletics. These principles should never be sacrificed at the altar of radical, woke ideology,” stated bill sponsor Senator Greg Dolezal.
The law has been met with opposition from transgender rights activists, who organized a “field day” protest against the legislation. Critics argue the law unnecessarily targets transgender youth and creates harmful exclusion. The law comes as Georgia joins more than 25 other states with similar prohibitions, reflecting a nationwide trend of legislative action on this issue.
National Implications
The passage of Georgia’s Riley Gaines Act aligns with broader national movements regarding transgender participation in sports. In February, President Trump signed an executive order to investigate schools allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports for potential Title IX violations. The order could potentially lead to the withholding of federal funding from institutions found to be in violation.
“The General Assembly sent a clear message—biological men are not welcome in girls’ sports or spaces here in Georgia,” said House Speaker Jon Burns, emphasizing the significance of the legislation.
Set to take effect on July 1, 2025, the Riley Gaines Act represents a significant policy statement on an issue that continues to generate intense debate across the country. As more states implement similar legislation, the national conversation about balancing transgender rights with concerns about competitive fairness in women’s sports appears likely to continue.