Riley Gaines And Other Female Athletes Attacked By Protestors At Texas Bill Signing That Bans Males From Competing In Women's Collegiate Sports

On August 7, Governor Greg Abbott ceremonially signed the Save Women’s Sports Act at the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in Denton. The signing celebrated a significant law designed to uphold the fairness and integrity of women's sports in Texas. Former NCAA athletes Riley Gaines and Paula Scanlan, who are also spokeswomen for the Independent Women's Voice, joined the Governor alongside other female athletes.

The Texas Women's Hall of Fame was established in 1984 to honor women with remarkable achievements in the state. "Women have excelled in college sports, mastering discipline and drive, learning to handle both victory and defeat gracefully, and translating these skills into their careers and personal lives. This act ensures the legacy of women’s sports remains protected for future generations," remarked Governor Abbott.

Gaines expressed gratitude to Governor Abbott for endorsing the rights of female athletes, highlighting the act's role in securing equal athletic opportunities for women and girls as mandated by law. Scanlan echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of such legislation across all states to ensure fair and safe conditions for female athletes. Joining the ceremonial signing were Senators Kelly Hancock, Mayes Middleton, Tan Parker, and Drew Springer, and Representatives Benjamin Bumgarner, Richard Hayes, Stephanie Klick, and several others, in addition to various women's sports advocates.

The enacted Senate Bill 15 stipulates that biological males cannot participate in college-level athletic events specifically meant for biological females, preserving competitive equity. The bill also introduces a provision allowing individuals to seek legal relief against Texas public colleges, universities, or their athletic teams if they breach the act's guidelines.

Riley Gaines and Other Female Athletes Attacked by Protestors at Texas Bill Signing

Former NCAA Division 1 athletes, including Gaines, Scanlan, and others, were among those confronted by aggressive protesters during the ceremonial signing of the Save Women’s Sports Act. The event, held at the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, had Gov. Abbott and many others in attendance. While the bill was signed into law in June, this event was more symbolic.

Gaines, a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer, has previously spoken out against competing with transgender swimmer William "Lia" Thomas in 2022. But the ceremony was marred by protesters who reportedly threw items and spat at attendees. Michelle Evans, leader of the Independent Women's Network's Austin chapter, recounted being assaulted and threatened by some protesters, with one even being apprehended for misdemeanor assault. Many attendees were disturbed by the aggressive behavior of the protesters, especially toward young girls. Evans described scenes of protesters harassing children, even as they were escorted out by police.

Gaines, in a statement to Fox News Digital, expressed her dismay at the protests, noting thrown bottles, spitting, and profanity directed even at minors. Despite this, she emphasized that the day was a victory and commended Gov. Abbott's leadership, hoping other states would enact similar measures. Scanlan, another outspoken athlete who did a sit-down interview with conservative commentator Matt Walsh, described the protests on social media as "spitting and yelling" but took solace in the bill's passage, hoping other states would follow Texas's lead. Scanlan shared a photo on X (formerly known as Twitter) of protestors from afar who were holding up signs, yelling, and even throwing the middle finger.

Videos circulating online showcased some of the aggressive encounters, with chants like "Trans rights are human rights" and confrontations involving young attendees. When asked about the protests, Gov. Abbott expressed his wish for a more peaceful approach, emphasizing the importance of the experiences and views shared by Scanlan and Gaines.

"Women have thrived under college sports. They've mastered discipline, spurred drive, & cast visions to achieve greatness. We won’t allow that to be jeopardized in Texas," Gov. Abbott tweeted.

The "Save Women’s Sports Act" (SB 15) follows a 2021 legislation mandating that public school teams in Texas be categorized by the "sex assigned at birth." Over 20 states have passed similar bills, with SB 15 slated to be effective from September 1. Evans praised SB 15 for advancing women's rights but stressed the need for more comprehensive action. She cited Oklahoma's recent executive order establishing a Women’s Bill of Rights and called for clearer definitions of gender in both language and law to safeguard women’s rights. Evans concluded that while sports are a focal point, the underlying issues are much more expansive.

The athletes who were in attendance at the signing sarcastically remarked on the inclusivity and tolerance expressed by many of the violent protestors that day. Many of them held up signs about human rights—but aren't women's rights human rights? Feminists have told us for decades now that women's rights should be celebrated as human rights, and everyone should support them. But these trans activists have suddenly removed women from their demand for human rights. It's ironic that the very crowd that preaches kindness and inclusion would treat Gaines, Scanlan, and others with such aggression, disdain, and disgust. Evans tweeted that she was even "spit on in the eye" as she was walking through the crowd of protestors, escorted by law enforcement. They kept chanting, "Trans lives matter!" But none of them can explain how excluding biological men from women's sports in any way encroaches on a trans person's right to live.

Unfortunately, these instances of violence and aggression are only increasing toward women everywhere, and yet the feminists are all but silent. Apparently, women are allowed to be mistreated and attacked as long as it's the trans activists who are perpetrating the brutality.

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