The bill defines sex-based terms and allows for private spaces for women
Charleston, W.Va. – Today, Governor Patrick Morrisey was joined by Riley Gaines and other supporters to sign into law HB 456, the Riley Gaines Act. This bill defines sex-based terms terms like “male” and “female” in the state code to allow for sigle-sex private spaces.
“Today we sent a strong message that West Virginia stands with women,” said Governor Patrick Morrisey. “West Virginia will not bow down to radical gender ideology – we are going to lead with common sense, and the Riley Gaines Act does exactly that. Thank you to Riley, the Independent Women’s Voice, and the many women and girls around the country standing up for what is right.”
Independent Women Voice CEO Heather R. Higgins said, “I can personally attest that Governor Patrick Morrisey is one of the few conviction politicians who, long before it was politically popular, understood the attack on women and did something about it. As Attorney General, he fought for the equal opportunity of female athletes and recognized early the importance of codifying sex definitions in law. Then, when most politicians run away from pledges, Gov. Morrisey was unafraid to publicly sign Independent Women’s Voice’s ‘Stand with Women Commitment.’ As Governor, he has made standing with women a priority. Today Governor Morrisey signs this landmark legislation into law. West Virginians and Americans are better for his leadership.”
Independent Women Ambassador Riley Gaines said, “Under Governor Morrisey’s leadership, the West Virginia legislature has executed his priority of defining sex-based words and protecting women’s spaces by swiftly passing this legislation. I am truly honored to support such a strong piece of legislation, and I look forward to celebrating this win along with West Virginian women and girls when it becomes law today. 2025 is the year for women’s rights in West Virginia and across America! Congratulations West Virginia on becoming the twelfth state to sign Stand with Women Legislation into law. Now, who’s next?”
West Virginia middle school track and field athlete Emmy Salerno, who took a stand and refused to compete against a male during her shot-put track and field championships, said, “Thanks to Governor Morrisey and the West Virginia legislature, I no longer have to worry about facing sex-discrimination. He stood by me as Attorney General, and now as Governor, he is fulfilling his promise to Stand with Women. I am grateful for Gov. Morrisey’s persistent leadership as a Stand with Women champion, fighting for the rights of women and girls across the state.”
The Riley Gaines Act:
- Enshrines the definitions of “male” and “female” terms in law;
- Protects the existence of women’s single-sex spaces, such as locker rooms, bathrooms, rape crisis centers, dormitories, and prisons.
