WV approves Riley Gaines Act, as top Dem says GOP ‘made bathrooms great again’
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey made headlines on Wednesday as he hosted former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines in Charleston to sign the Riley Gaines Act into law. This bill, sponsored by Senate President Randy Smith and Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, aims to codify the definitions of “man” and “woman” into state law.
The measure, which passed overwhelmingly in the GOP-majority upper chamber, seeks to reaffirm the longstanding meanings of sex, male, and female in state law. It also aims to preserve women’s restrooms, sleeping quarters, locker rooms, and other private facilities for the sole use of women in order to prevent abuse, harassment, sexual assault, and violence committed by men.
Governor Morrisey was inspired to push for this legislation after hearing about 14-year-old shot-put athlete Emmy Salerno from Shinnston, who along with her teammates refused to participate in a championship event due to concerns about competing against a transgender student athlete. Morrisey threw his support behind a lawsuit over the situation during his time as attorney general.
During the bill-signing event, Morrisey expressed his gratitude to key figures who helped make the law a reality, including House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, state Sen. Patricia Rucker, and Del. Kathie Hess Crouse. He emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of women’s sports and single-sex spaces, citing the law as a victory for women’s rights, fairness, and safety.
While the bill received overwhelming support from the GOP, lone Democrat Senator Joey Garcia voted against it, arguing that transgenderism is not a choice but an inherent aspect of a person’s identity. West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin criticized the ceremony as a mere photo opportunity for Republicans, urging lawmakers to focus on more pressing issues like jobs, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Riley Gaines, whose experience competing against a transgender athlete at the NCAA Women’s Swimming Championships propelled her to the forefront of the issue, commended the passage of the law in West Virginia. She expressed relief that legislators were taking a stand on the issue of gender identity and sports regulations, contrasting it with controversial moves made by other governors such as Wisconsin’s Tony Evers.
In conclusion, the Riley Gaines Act represents a significant step in defining and protecting the rights of women in West Virginia. While the legislation has faced criticism from some quarters, Governor Morrisey and supporters of the bill are steadfast in their commitment to upholding the integrity of women’s sports and private spaces in the state.
