Overview

• West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed the 'Riley Gaines Act' into law, codifying definitions of 'male' and 'female' in state law.
• The legislation aims to protect female-only spaces such as restrooms, locker rooms, and sports from inclusion of biological males identifying as women.
• The bill was inspired by the actions of a 14-year-old female athlete who protested competing against a transgender student in 2023.
• The law passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the state legislature, with a 31-3 Senate vote and 90-8 House vote.
• Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and advocate for women's rights in sports, has become a prominent figure in the movement against transgender inclusion in female sports.