Peach Tree Times

House Bill 267, known as the 'Riley Gaines Act,' has successfully passed through the House Education Committee in Atlanta. The bill aims to prevent biological males from participating in girls' sports across Georgia and is a key legislative priority for House Speaker Jon Burns during the 2025 session.

Speaker Jon Burns expressed his support, stating, "Today, members of the House took another important step toward protecting integrity and fairness for female athletes across the state." He emphasized that "men don’t belong in women’s sports or spaces," and credited Riley Gaines for her advocacy work on this issue.

The act stipulates that biological males will be barred from competing on female-designated sports teams at all levels. It also mandates separate facilities for changing, bathrooms, and locker rooms during athletic events. Furthermore, scholarships meant for women cannot be awarded to biological males, and private schools competing with public schools must comply with these standards.

Riley Gaines, a former swimmer who competed against a biological male in an NCAA championship, testified before the committee. She urged lawmakers to support the act by saying, “I urge you all to pass the Riley Gaines Act and stand with over five million women and girls in Georgia.”

For more details on HB 267, visit: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69927