West Virginia Governor signs Riley Gaines Act into Law
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed the Riley Gaines Act into law, which defines 'man' and 'woman' in state law, aiming to protect women's sports and private facilities. The bill passed with overwhelming support from the GOP-majority chambers.
Key Points
- Governor Morrisey inspired by 14-year-old shot-put athlete Emmy Salerno's story
- Bipartisan support for the bill in the GOP-majority chambers
- Focus on protecting women's rights, fairness, and safety in sports
Pros
- Reaffirms the meaning of sex, male, and female in state law
- Preserves women's rights in sports and private facilities
Cons
- Opposition from lone Senate Democrat Sen. Joey Garcia
- Criticism from West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin