Defending Fairness: West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey Signs the Riley Gaines Act into Law

Charleston, WV – A Monumental Step for Women’s Rights

In a resounding victory for fairness, integrity, and the preservation of biological distinctions in competitive sports, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey proudly signed the Riley Gaines Act into law on Wednesday, standing shoulder to shoulder with former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, Independent Women’s Forum President Heather Higgins, and State Senator Patricia Rucker. This historic legislation, which decisively codifies the definitions of “man” and “woman” into state law, marks yet another triumph for the principles of common sense and conservative values.

The bill, championed by Senate President Randy Smith (R-Blackwater Falls) and Minority Leader Mike Woelfel (D-Huntington), sailed through the Republican-controlled Senate with a commanding 31-3 vote. In the House, it received overwhelming approval, 90-8, along party lines.

“This is an incredible day for West Virginia,” declared Governor Morrisey. “We are standing up for fairness in women’s sports, privacy in female spaces, and the basic biological realities that define us.”

Upholding the Rights of Women and Girls

The Riley Gaines Act reaffirms traditional definitions of sex and ensures that women’s restrooms, locker rooms, sleeping quarters, and other female-only spaces remain reserved for biological women—protecting them from potential abuse, harassment, and unfair athletic competition.

The need for such legislation became even more pressing after the courageous stand taken by 14-year-old Emmy Salerno and her teammates in Shinnston, who protested the inclusion of biological males in their sports competitions. Inspired by their bravery, Governor Morrisey, while serving as Attorney General, threw his legal weight behind efforts to preserve fairness in athletics.

“The true heroes here are the young women who refuse to be sidelined,” Morrisey stated, highlighting the determination of Salerno and Riley Gaines, whose advocacy has brought national attention to the issue.

Riley Gaines: A Champion for Women’s Sports

Riley Gaines, who famously competed against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Women’s Swimming Championships, has become a national voice for female athletes fighting against unfair competition. At the signing ceremony, Gaines was met with a standing ovation—a moment she called both “refreshing and bittersweet.”

“The fact that simply stating ‘men and women are different’ gets a standing ovation shows just how far we’ve gone down this road of radical ideology,” she said. “But I am so grateful for leaders like Governor Morrisey who are willing to take a stand.”

A Stand Against Radical Ideology

Governor Morrisey took the opportunity to praise President Donald Trump for his leadership on similar issues, noting that West Virginia is following in the footsteps of the Trump administration’s firm stance against radical gender policies.

“The woke left always digs in its heels, trying to force the rest of America to adhere to its radical gender ideology,” Morrisey declared. “But that’s not going to happen here. Not in West Virginia.”

Democratic Pushback and Woke Backlash

While the bill saw overwhelming support, Democratic opposition was predictable. Senator Joey Garcia (D-Fairmont) was the lone Democrat to vote against the bill, questioning its necessity. Meanwhile, West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin dismissed the law as “a political stunt,” failing to acknowledge the legitimate concerns of female athletes and their families.

“While Republicans lined up for selfies, West Virginians were still waiting on lawmakers to tackle real issues—like jobs, healthcare, and infrastructure,” Pushkin quipped.

Yet, as Riley Gaines aptly put it, ensuring fairness and safety for women is not a trivial matter. It is a fundamental right.

West Virginia Leading the Way

With this landmark legislation, West Virginia has cemented itself as a national leader in defending women’s rights and protecting the foundational principles of fairness and biology.

Senator Patricia Rucker emphasized, “This is not about hate; it’s about protecting the rights of women who do not want to share their spaces with biological males. They deserve their own fair, safe, and protected environments.”

The passage of the Riley Gaines Act is a bold rejection of the far-left’s attempts to erase the distinctions between men and women. It stands as a beacon for other states to follow, ensuring that America remains a nation that values fairness, safety, and biological reality.

Governor Morrisey put it best: “West Virginia is standing strong, and we are not backing down.”