Georgia State Senator Frank Ginn has voiced his support for legislation that restricts participation in girls’ sports to athletes assigned female at birth. Citing the importance of fairness and privacy in school athletics, Ginn referenced Senate Bill 1, also known as the Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act, which was introduced as the first bill of the 2025 legislative session and is now law in Georgia.
Ginn stated, “Nothing beats the energy of a Friday night in Georgia: stands full, a band playing and a community rallying behind its team. For generations, these moments have built character in our young people and pride in our hometowns. That same pride comes from knowing every athlete competes under fair rules, and that’s why I support making sure boys are not allowed to compete in girls’ sports.”
He emphasized his personal commitment as both a parent and public official to uphold opportunities for all children: “Over the summer, I reflected on our General Assembly’s work to protect Georgia students in the classroom and on the field. As a father and public servant, I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to defend fair opportunities for every child. We must preserve our state’s critical separation between male and female sports. That principle guided my strong support for Senate Bill 1, also known as the Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act, which is now law in Georgia.”
Senate Bill 1 requires that public schools, colleges, and institutions receiving state funding designate athletic teams based on biological sex. According to Ginn: “There’s a reason this was the first Senate Bill introduced in the 2025 Legislative Session. It’s a critical issue for our Senate body, and we needed to act immediately. SB 1 establishes a clear and consistent standard: public schools, colleges and other institutions receiving state funding must designate athletic teams based on biological sex. Children born male cannot compete on teams designated for females. That’s basic biology. In Georgia, we will not allow male athletes to use flawed gender identity ideology to disrespect the privacy and hard work of female athletes.”
He further explained that protections extend beyond competition into areas such as locker rooms: “In our state, female athletes will always have the right to share private spaces, including locker rooms, restrooms and overnight accommodations with their peers without worrying that a male will violate their privacy. This bill also guarantees that students who have worked hard to obtain scholarships and recruitment opportunities will have a level playing field to succeed at the next level.”
The senator argued that these measures ensure fairness across all levels of student athletics: “Whether it’s high school volleyball, middle school cross country or collegiate swimming, students deserve equal opportunities to succeed. Students and parents should also rest assured that unfair physical competitive advantages will not overshadow their training, talent and determination. I’m thankful we’re protecting students from Hoschton to Comer and communities in between. In Georgia, we’re clearly ahead of the game in protecting all students.”
Ginn pointed out incidents elsewhere where he believes competitive advantages have impacted outcomes: “Unfortunately, there are plenty of examples of where young women are losing events to transgender men with a clear biological athletic advantage. Even worse is the fact that these same men are willingly violating the privacy of these athletes and weaponizing it as a psychological advantage.” He cited testimonies from athletes who described feeling exposed or heartbroken by such experiences.
He mentioned Riley Gaines’ account regarding an event at Georgia Tech: “I’ll never forget Riley Gaines’ testimony when she described the ‘betrayal’ she experienced after participating in an event at Georgia Tech. An athlete should never have to beg a university president for basic protections such as privacy and fair competition.” Ginn said he is grateful similar incidents would not occur at institutions like University of Georgia.
Reiterating parental concerns about fairness in sports competitions for their children regardless of gender identity policies elsewhere: “Student athletes want a level playing field that includes the most basic right to private spaces designated by sex, not gender identity… Parents want their daughters and sons to compete with complete confidence that the rules are fair, the competition is honest and the accommodations protect their privacy.”
Ginn concluded by noting local examples of student-athlete success preparing youth for future challenges both athletically and professionally—highlighting figures such as Brock Bowers (NFL), Ladd McConkey (NFL), Maria Taylor (sports journalist), St. Jude Children’s Hospital volunteers,and DFCS partnerships.
“This fall,” he said,“Georgia’s student athletes…can expect fair common-sense standards that uphold integrity…Our schools should not be forced to choose between fairnessand fearof backlash.”
Senator Frank Ginn represents Madison County along with parts of Barrow Clarke,and Jackson counties.Anyone wishingto contact him can do so via phoneor email provided bythe office.For media inquiries,the Senate Press Office may be reached through its dedicated address.
