FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 12, 2025
Contact: info@wvgop.org
Charleston, WV — West Virginia Republican Party (WVGOP) statement on the signing of SB 456 today:
“Congratulations to Governor Patrick Morrisey, our Republican supermajority, and all who value common sense on the passage and signing of SB 456, the Riley Gaines Act. This piece of legislation defines the terms ‘men’ and ‘women’ in State Code, basing those definitions on biological sex at birth; moreover, this bill serves to protect private spaces for biological men and women based on those definitions.
It is astounding that this issue even sparks debate, yet 10 of the 11 remaining Democrats in the legislature voted against this common-sense legislation. Of course, Republicans voted in favor. The WVGOP supports female athletes, Title IX, and all women and men who deserve sex-based protections under the law.
The reason legislation like ‘defining men and women’ is even necessary is evidenced by the fervent opposition of the 10 Democrats who voted against the measure. Without clarity in the law, such individuals in leadership roles in athletics, education, corrections, etc. may openly ignore the sex-based protections that the vast majority of Americans recognize and support. Thankfully, our Republican leaders continue to promote and defend these values.”
