Peach Tree Times

Speaker Jon Burns has announced a significant legislative priority for the 2025 session, known as the Riley Gaines Act. The bill, sponsored by Representative Josh Bonner, aims to protect the integrity of girls' sports by preventing biological males from participating in women's competitions.

"This issue is simple—men don’t belong in women’s sports," stated Speaker of the House Jon Burns. "The Riley Gaines Act ensures that from now on in our state—young women who have dedicated countless hours, days, and years of their lives to become the best they can be in their sport will never be forced to face a biological male on the field, on the court, or in the locker room."

The proposed legislation would prohibit biological males from joining teams designated for girls and women at all levels. It also mandates separate changing facilities for athletic events and ensures that scholarships intended for female athletes are not awarded to biological males. Private schools competing against public institutions must comply with these standards.

"This bill addresses a basic issue of fairness and ensures that female athletes in Georgia are valued and protected," said Rep. Bonner.

This new act builds upon previous legislation passed during the 2022 session. House Bill 1084 requires high schools receiving state funding to avoid sponsoring athletic events unless overseen by an executive committee. HB 1084 permits associations to create policies barring male students from competing in female sports categories.