West Virginia Enacts Riley Gaines Act Defining Gender by Birth Sex

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed the Riley Gaines Act into law, which codifies the definitions of 'male' and 'female' based on biological sex assigned at birth. The law restricts transgender individuals from accessing single-sex spaces such as bathrooms, locker rooms, and shelters that correspond with their gender identity. Morrisey emphasized the bill's intention to protect women and girls, claiming it aligns with common sense and counters what he calls 'radical gender ideology.' The legislation, which passed overwhelmingly in the legislature, has sparked controversy, as critics argue it could infringe on the rights of transgender individuals and distract from more pressing issues facing women. Supporters, including Riley Gaines, argue it is a necessary step to ensure fairness in women's sports and spaces. The bill's passage marks a significant legal shift in how gender is defined in the state.