Peach Tree Times

The Georgia General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 1, known as the 'Riley Gaines Act of 2025.' The bill prohibits biological males from competing in women's sports within the state. This legislation has been a top priority for House Speaker Jon Burns and Lt. Governor Burt Jones in the current legislative session.

"Today, the General Assembly sent a clear message—biological men are not welcome in girls’ sports or spaces here in Georgia," stated Speaker Jon Burns. He emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity and fairness for female athletes throughout Georgia and appreciated the support from Senate colleagues and Riley Gaines for their contributions to the initiative.

Lt. Governor Burt Jones expressed similar sentiments on the bill's passage. "Today, the Georgia General Assembly made a historic step toward achieving a critical goal for this session, the protection of women’s sports," he said. Jones highlighted his ongoing commitment to ensuring protections for females in athletics since taking office in 2023 and referred to earlier federal actions supporting similar goals. He acknowledged the personal stories shared by women and girls that helped shape the legislation, expressing gratitude for their role in preserving female athletes' rights.

The 'Riley Gaines Act of 2025' concludes a legislative effort based on findings from the Senate Special Committee on the Protection of Women’s Sports, established by Lt. Governor Jones. With its passage, Georgia aligns with 26 other states that have enacted similar laws.

For more details about Senate Bill 1, the ‘Riley Gaines Act of 2025,’ the full text is available online.