PROTECTING STUDENT SPACES & SPORTS
What SB 1 Means for Georgia
On April 28, 2025, Governor Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 1—the “Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act”—into law. Commonly known as “The Riley Gaines Act,” this legislation restores fairness and safety in school sports and facilities by basing participation and access on biological sex, not gender identity.
Effective July 1, 2025, the law applies to:
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Public schools
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Participating private schools
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Postsecondary institutions
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Statewide athletic associations
This law was inspired by national stories of female athletes—like Riley Gaines—who were denied a fair playing field by being forced to compete against biological males.
Why It Matters
The Georgia General Assembly made its intent clear—protecting biological distinctions in sports is essential for fairness, safety, and opportunity.
SB 1 Is Based on Four Core Principles:
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Males and females have inherent physical differences.
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Sports policies must prioritize fairness and student safety.
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The state has a strong interest in protecting female athletes from harm.
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Separate male and female teams are necessary to ensure equal opportunity.
SB 1 protects girls’ and women’s ability to compete, earn scholarships, and gain recognition—without being sidelined by gender ideology.
What the Law Requires
Operational Protections:
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All teams must be clearly designated as male, female, or coed
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Biological males are not allowed to compete on female teams
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Shared restrooms, locker rooms, and sleeping areas must be sex-specific
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Female-only athletic scholarships cannot be awarded to biological males
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Coed teams are permitted only where appropriate
NOTE: The information provided in this resource is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal counsel. Individuals seeking legal advice regarding Senate Bill 1 (“The Riley Gaines Act”) or any related matter should consult with a licensed attorney.
Know What SB 1 Means for Your School
Georgia’s SB 1 is designed to protect fairness in sports and privacy in student spaces—but it’s only effective if families and communities understand how it works and what to look for.
That’s why Citizens Defending Freedom has created easy-to-follow resources to provide parents, students, and educators with greater insight into the legislation.
RESOURCES
How SB 1 Advances CDF’s Title IX Mission
SB 1 represents a critical step forward in restoring fairness, safety, and biological reality in school athletics—values long championed by Citizens Defending Freedom through our Title IX initiative.
By reaffirming the importance of sex-based distinctions in sports and student spaces, Georgia joins a growing movement to restore the original intent of Title IX—free from federal overreach and ideological distortion.
For more on CDF’s commitment to Title IX, see our Title IX page to explore our latest resources and stay updated on national and state-level developments.