West Virginia Governor Enacts Riley Gaines Act, Inspired by Young Athlete’s Courage

West Virginia Governor Enacts Riley Gaines Act, Inspired by Young Athlete’s Courage

FIRST ON FOX: West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey welcomed former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines to Charleston on Wednesday to officially sign the Riley Gaines Act into law, which solidifies the definitions of “man” and “woman” within state legislation.

The bill, introduced by Senate President Randy Smith, R-Blackwater Falls, alongside Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Huntington, received overwhelming support, passing the Senate with a decisive 31-3 vote and moving through the House with minimal opposition, approving the measure 90-8.

Of notable mention, only one Democrat, Senator Joey Garcia of Fairmont, opposed the bill. This legislative effort aims to reaffirm traditional definitions of sex and safeguard women’s spaces such as restrooms, locker rooms, and sleeping quarters exclusively for female use, ultimately addressing concerns of abuse, harassment, and violence that women may experience.

Morrisey shared during the signing event that he found inspiration in the actions of 14-year-old shot-put athlete Emmy Salerno from Shinnston, situated near Clarksburg. Salerno and her peers made headlines by opting out of the 2023 Harrison County middle school championship in protest against the possibility of competing against a transgender student athlete.

As attorney general at the time, Morrisey had backed a lawsuit concerning this incident. “This is an incredible day for West Virginia,” he remarked, emphasizing the significance of the issue alongside Gaines and Independent Women’s Forum president Heather Higgins, who attended the event.

Furthermore, the governor praised key figures in the state legislature, including House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay; state Senator Patricia Rucker, R-Charles Town; and Del. Kathie Hess Crouse, R-Buffalo, noting their crucial contributions to the passage of the law. “I have worked on this issue for a very long time, and even now we have multiple cases pending at the U.S. Supreme Court,” Morrisey stated. He commended athletes like Gaines and Salerno as the true heroes in this ongoing movement.

Del. Hess Crouse expressed her satisfaction regarding the law’s success, sharing her support for Gaines and emphasizing the undeniable biological differences between men and women. She voiced concerns over the fairness and safety of allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports or access female-only spaces.

Morrisey’s administration also faced critique from opponents of the bill. Senator Garcia, the only dissenting voice in the Senate, argued that transgenderism does not stem from personal choice but rather poses essential challenges to the bill’s necessity.

West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin openly criticized the signing ceremony, dismissing it as a mere photo opportunity for Republicans. He suggested that while party members celebrated bathroom legislation, they overlooked pressing issues like jobs, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements that directly affect West Virginians.

Amidst the political discourse, Morrisey referenced former President Donald Trump’s efforts on similar issues and recalled a related dispute between Trump and Maine’s Democratic Governor Janet Mills. He declared the support for the Riley Gaines Act as indicative of widespread consensus in West Virginia, denouncing what he called radical gender ideology promoted by the left.

Gaines, who gained prominence after competing against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Women’s Swimming Championships, acknowledged feeling slightly bemused as she received a standing ovation merely for stating that men and women are inherently different. She praised Salerno’s bravery and voiced appreciation for Morrisey’s proactive leadership in these matters.

Moreover, Gaines contrasted the current legislative environment in West Virginia with other states. She pointed to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ controversial budget proposal, which replaced terms such as “mother” with “inseminated person”. This move sparked backlash, including criticism from sports legend Brett Favre, who labeled it as nonsensical.

Gaines humorously reflected on the bizarre terminology used in contemporary discourse, stating, “We’ve been called a lot: ‘cervix-havers’, ‘uterus owners’, ‘menstruaters’, ‘chest-feeders’, ‘birthing persons’ — but ‘inseminated persons’ really takes the cake for me.”

In a light-hearted moment, Morrisey responded to Gaines, ensuring that no legislation in West Virginia would carry the phrase “inseminated person,” eliciting laughter from the audience assembled at the event.

A Shift in the Legislative Landscape

This legislative milestone comes at a time of heightened focus on gender identity issues nationwide. As more states grapple with similar laws, the Riley Gaines Act reflects a growing trend among states prioritizing what proponents describe as the preservation of women’s rights.

Despite the varying perspectives on this issue, it stands as a testament to the significance of grassroots activism. The courage displayed by young athletes like Salerno has caught the attention of policymakers, underscoring the impact of youth voices in contemporary social debates.

As states continue to debate these controversial topics, the push for definitions remains front and center in ongoing discussions about gender, sports, and equality. The implications of such legislation can profoundly shape future policies surrounding participation and access within athletics.

Navigating the Future

In conclusion, the introduction of the Riley Gaines Act represents a pivotal chapter in West Virginia’s approach to gender identity and athletics. The voices of athletes will undoubtedly continue to resonate within these discussions, challenging legislators to consider the balance between inclusion and fairness diligently.