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:
Public schools
PARTICIPATING PRIVATE SCHOOLS
POSTSECONDARY
INSTITUTIONS
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.
Watch Riley Gaines testify before the Georgia House Education Committee on the importance of preserving safe spaces in sports for women and girls. She shares her experience competing against a male athlete in college swimming and explains the dangers of allowing men to compete in women’s sports. Her testimony outlines why we must protect women’s sports and keep women safe in vulnerable spaces.
This set of resources equips you to understand your rights under Georgia’s Senate Bill 1 and how to take effective action in your community.
What’s Inside the Toolkit:
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Guide to Understanding GA SB1 - "The Riley Gaines Act"
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Guide to Filing a Complaint under GA SB1
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Formal Complaint Letter Template
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Key Talking Points for Community, Church, and Schools
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Bible Verse Application Guide
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Shareable Graphics Package
Download Your Free Resources
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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. Explore our latest resources and stay updated on national and state-level developments.
If you’d like more information about Georgia’s SB 1, “The Riley Gaines Act,” guidance on how to use this toolkit, or have questions, comments, or concerns about your child’s rights, please fill out the request form by clicking the button below. Our team will follow up to provide the resources and support you need.