SENATE RESOLUTION 17

(By Senators Grady, Rucker, Smith, Stuart, Tarr, Azinger, Barrett, Boley, Chapman, Clements, Deeds, Hamilton, Hunt, Jeffries, Karnes, Maroney, Martin, Maynard, Nelson, Oliverio, Phillips, Queen, Roberts, Stover, Swope, Takubo, Taylor, Trump, Weld, Woodrum, and Blair (Mr. President))

[Introduced January 26, 2024]

Recognizing Riley Gaines as an ambassador for the Independent Women's Forum, and an advocate for women's equality in sports.

Whereas, Riley Gaines is a graduate of University of Kentucky where, along with her studies, she was a competitive swimmer with a record of being a 12-time All-American swimmer; and

Whereas, In 2022, Riley Gaines achieved recognition when she competed in the NCAA Division I Women's Championship against trans-identifying swimmer, Lia Thomas, resulting in a tie; and

Whereas, Since that time, Riley Gaines has gained world-wide attention for her outspoken commitment on educating the public on why this diverse participation in women's sports will erode equal athletic opportunity to all women everywhere in every sport; and

Whereas, As an ambassador with the Independent Women's Forum and Voice, Riley Gaines has championed the Women's Bill of Rights in state legislatures across the nation and helped it become law in Kansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Nebraska. This action has resulted in nearly 8 million women being defined in state law for helping to protect their spaces and opportunities; and

Whereas, Riley Gaines has established herself as a leading voice and legislative champion for standing with women; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby recognizes Riley Gaines as an ambassador for the Independent Women's Forum, and as an advocate for women's equality in sports.