RICHMOND, Va. — Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Friday issued Executive Directive 14, instructing the Virginia Board of Health to draft new regulations that would bar transgender women and girls from participating in female-only sports teams and using sex-separated facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms designated for females.
The directive, titled “Directing the Promulgation of Regulations to Secure the Health, Safety, Privacy, Dignity and Respect for All Virginians in Sex Separated Spaces,” directs the Board of Health to create rules that:
- Prevent “biological males” from competing on female athletic teams in Virginia; and
- Restrict “biological males” from entering female-only spaces where women may be in a state of undress.
Youngkin said the action is needed to protect women and girls, claiming that “irresponsible policies” have jeopardized their safety and privacy.
“The health and safety of women and girls in sex separated spaces and participating in athletic competitions is in serious jeopardy due to irresponsible policies,” Youngkin said in a statement. “It is an embarrassment and a tragedy that certain individuals continue to turn a blind eye to these clear violations of the law and of the health, safety, privacy, dignity, and respect of Virginians. This must stop.”
The governor also thanked former President Donald Trump and federal agencies under his administration for what he described as a “common sense approach” to protecting women and girls.
The move follows a petition submitted in August by three Virginia female athletes who said they had been “directly harmed by males competing in female collegiate sports.” The petition asked the Board of Health to amend existing state regulations to limit participation and access based on biological sex.
The Virginia Board of Health is expected to consider publishing a Notice of Intended Regulatory Action (NOIRA) on October 2, 2025, the next procedural step under the Virginia Administrative Process Act before formal rulemaking begins.
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