RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Glenn Youngkin has directed the Virginia Board of Health to develop regulations restricting biological males from participating in female-only athletic competitions and entering female-designated spaces where individuals may be undressed. The move comes amid concerns over safety and privacy for women and girls in public facilities and sports programs.
Youngkin issued Executive Directive 14 Wednesday, calling current policies “irresponsible” and highlighting federal support from President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Department of Education. In his statement, the governor said the action aims to protect the health, safety, dignity, and respect of Virginians in sex-separated spaces. The directive follows a petition filed in August by three female collegiate athletes, who said they were directly harmed by males competing in female sports. The petition asked the board to amend regulations under 12 VAC 5 to prevent such participation and access to female-designated areas.
Under Virginia’s Administrative Process Act, the Board of Health is expected to consider publishing a Notice of Intended Regulatory Action on October 2, 2025, beginning the formal process of adopting the new rules.
photo: Governor.Virginia.gov