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Tennessee Senate adopts resolution honoring swimmer Riley Gaines
Summary
The Tennessee Senate adopted a resolution honoring Riley Gaines and praising her advocacy after senators said she was forced to compete against a man in NCAA women’s competition; the measure passed by constitutional majority without objection.
The Tennessee Senate on the floor adopted a resolution honoring Riley Gaines, a Sumner County swimmer who supporters said was forced to compete against a man in an NCAA women’s event.
Senator Hale, who presented House Joint Resolution 33, described Gaines’s athletic record and said she had been thrust into national debate over women’s sports. “Riley was forced to compete with a man in women's sports division in the NCAA,” Hale said, adding, “I just am appalled that we even have to have this type of discussion.”
Senator Roberts echoed those remarks, calling Gaines “a tremendous example” and saying Gaines did not seek the spotlight but was “thrust into a situation where she had to do what she thought was the right thing.” The resolution commends Gaines’s achievements at Station Camp High School and her time on the University of Kentucky swim team.
The clerk announced HJR 33 received a constitutional majority and the resolution was adopted without objection; the motion to reconsider was tabled. No amendment to the resolution was recorded on the floor.
The vote concluded the Senate’s consideration of HJR 33; supporters said the measure recognizes Gaines’s athletic accomplishments and public advocacy.
