West Virginia Enacts 'Riley Gaines Act' to Define Sex-Based Terms and Protect Women's Spaces

The law, named after former swimmer Riley Gaines, establishes legal definitions of 'male' and 'female' and aims to safeguard female-only spaces in the state.

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.