In a major win for fairness in women’s athletics, Georgia lawmakers have passed a bill that reinforces the foundational principle of equal opportunity in girls’ and women’s sports. Senate Bill 1, which now heads to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk, would require athletic teams in public schools — from elementary to college — to be designated based on biological sex at birth.
The legislation passed both chambers Monday largely along party lines, with several Democrats joining Republicans in support.
Supporters say the bill is designed to uphold competitive integrity and ensure that female athletes are not forced to compete against biological males — a scenario that lawmakers argue undermines decades of progress made under Title IX, the landmark legislation that opened doors for women and girls in sports.
“This legislation does not target individuals, it targets inequities,” said Rep. Chris Erwin (R-Homer), chairman of the House Education Committee. “It safeguards the decades of progress made in women’s athletics by reaffirming the state’s interest in promoting equal opportunity and preventing unfair advantages.”
Erwin emphasized the bill’s core mission: “This bill speaks to the heart of athletic integrity. It is about ensuring that every child, regardless of gender, has a chance to compete safely and fairly.”
The bill also includes provisions related to the use of facilities such as restrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations during athletic travel — ensuring that these spaces align with the biological sex designation of athletes.
In a bipartisan show of support, three House Democrats — Reps. Lynn Heffner (Augusta), Tangie Herring (Macon), and Dexter Sharper (Valdosta) — crossed party lines to vote in favor of the bill. In the Senate, Sen. Freddie Powell Sims (D-Dawson) was the lone Democrat joining all Senate Republicans in backing the measure.
Opponents of the bill, primarily from the Democratic caucus, expressed concern that the law could lead to discrimination or misapplication. Rep. Karen Lupton (D-Chamblee) and Rep. Jasmine Clark (D-Lilburn) voiced strong objections, characterizing the legislation as unnecessary and potentially harmful. However, advocates of the bill point to the growing number of high-profile cases nationally where biological males have dominated female sports competitions — a development they say puts young girls at a distinct disadvantage.
Rep. Josh Bonner (R-Fayetteville), who carried the bill in the House, closed debate with a powerful and personal statement, recounting the story of a female student athlete — a friend of his daughter — who was injured in a competition against a biological male.
“Biological males have an inherent physiological advantage. Allowing that advantage on the field places females at risk,” Bonner stated. “A yes vote provides a necessary protection for my daughter and thousands of other female athletes in Georgia.”
Governor Brian Kemp, who has signaled support for protecting girls’ sports in the past, will now have 40 days following the end of the legislative session on Friday to either sign the bill into law or allow it to take effect without his signature.
If signed, Georgia would join a growing number of states across the country taking steps to ensure a level playing field for female athletes.
