Riley Gaines To Speak In MN To Support 'Preserving Girls’ Sports Act'

ST. PAUL, MN — Riley Gaines, a former NCAA All-American swimmer and advocate for girls' sports, will visit Minnesota on Monday, March 3 to support legislation on the issue ahead of a state House vote.

The event will include a public rally on the Minnesota Capitol Mall at 11 a.m., followed by a live-streamed roundtable discussion at 1 p.m.

The Minnesota House is scheduled to vote on HF 12 — "The Preserving Girls' Sports Act" — at 3:30 p.m.

Gaines will be joined by House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring), Representative Peggy Scott (R-Andover), Senator Julia Coleman (R-Waconia), former Minnesota Viking Jack Brewer, and attorney Ryan Wilson.

The "Preserving Girls' Sports Act" proposes restricting participation in girls' sports teams at elementary and secondary schools in Minnesota to students who are biologically female.

The bill defines "female" based on reproductive characteristics and directs the Minnesota State High School League to adopt policies aligning with this requirement.

"The event aims to highlight the importance of protecting and promoting opportunities for female athletes in Minnesota," Minnesota House Republicans said in a statement.

Opponents argue the bill promotes discrimination, lacks clear enforcement, and disrupts an existing policy that has functioned without issue. They warn it could subject students to invasive scrutiny, worsen mental health challenges for transgender youth, and discourage participation in sports.