House passes Riley Gaines Act (HB 267) after hour‑long, sharply divided debate

The Georgia House of Representatives on Feb. 27 passed House Bill 267, titled in session as the Riley Gaines Act, a multi‑part measure that defines sex in state code as the basis for restroom and locker‑room access and prohibits biological males from participating on female athletic teams.

Sponsor Representative Matt Bonner introduced the bill as a “common sense” measure to protect fairness, privacy and safety in athletics and school facilities. He said the measure requires separate restrooms and changing areas for males and females during athletic events, provides for reasonable single‑occupancy accommodations for those uncomfortable in either facility, and prohibits biological male participation on female sports rosters while allowing males to practice with female teams. Bonner said the bill aligns state code with…