(The Lion) — Another state just passed a law to combat transgenderism as West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed the Riley Gaines Act this week.
The new law serves two purposes: it enshrines the definitions of “male” and “female” into state law based on biology, not so-called gender identity and bars transgender-identifying males from accessing women’s single-sex spaces, including locker rooms, bathrooms, rape crisis centers, dormitories and prisons.
“Today we sent a strong message that West Virginia stands with women,” Morrisey, a Republican, said in a release. “West Virginia will not bow down to radical gender ideology – we are going to lead with common sense, and the Riley Gaines Act does exactly that. Thank you to Riley, the Independent Women’s Voice, and the many women and girls around the country standing up for what is right.”
Gaines, now an Independent Women’s Forum ambassador, praised Morrisey for acting quickly on this proposal.
“I am truly honored to support such a strong piece of legislation, and I look forward to celebrating this win along with West Virginian women and girls when it becomes law today,” Gaines said in the release. “2025 is the year for women’s rights in West Virginia and across America! Congratulations West Virginia on becoming the twelfth state to sign Stand with Women Legislation into law. Now, who’s next?”
Although the bill was named after former NCAA All-American swimmer Riley Gaines, it has no impact on sports. West Virginia already banned transgender athletes from girls’ interscholastic sports in 2021.
It is the 17th state to enact a law restricting bathroom access based on anatomical sex.
Similarly, Georgia lawmakers are working to pass their version of the Riley Gaines Act.
Legislation there would bar transgender-identifying males from competing in girls’ athletic events and using female-designated facilities like bathrooms and locker rooms in schools, including colleges. It would also strip the word “gender” from state law and replace it with “sex,” according to the Georgia Recorder.
Versions of the Georgia measure have passed in both chambers of its legislature. Now, they need to vote on a final version of the bill to send to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk.
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has said the measure is a top priority for him and Kemp.
“We will stand up for women in Georgia and not allow their rights to succumb to a woke ideology,” Jones said in a February 20 Facebook post. “No matter what— we will pass legislation to stop men in women sports and we have Riley Gaines to thank for leading the way!”
