Riley Gaines expresses her dissent towards transgender member of Congress Sarah McBride for voting against Laken Riley Act

Riley Gaines, former collegiate swimmer and advocate for women's sport, criticized Congresswoman Sarah McBride's vote against the Laken Riley Act. In a social media post, she expressed strong disapproval of McBride's position, along with that of the 158 other Democrats who opposed the legislation.

The Laken Riley Act, named after a Georgia nursing student killed by an illegal immigrant, was passed by the US House of Representatives on January 7.2025, with a 264-159 vote. The bill received bipartisan support, including backing from 48 Democrats. It requires the detention of undocumented immigrants arrested for crimes such as theft, shoplifting, larceny, and burglary. It permits states to sue the federal government for inadequate enforcement of immigration laws.

The former collegiate swimmer voiced her concerns on X/ Twitter, criticizing McBride's stance and questioning her commitment to public safety. She addressed broader issues, including McBride's gender identity, and accused her of opposing measures essential for national security. Gaines also characterized the dissenting votes as unpatriotic and labeled Democrats as out of touch with American values.

"And wouldn't you know the man who wears a dress & calls himself a woman was a NAY vote on the Laken Riley Act. As were 158 more anti-American Democrats. They should all be shamed. You know who would've benefited from "a touch of grace", @SarahEMcBride? Laken Riley," she wrote.

Riley Gaines' criticism of the congrress woman highlights her belief that opposing the Laken Riley Act compromises the safety and rights of women like Laken Riley. She, contends that including transgender women in female competitions undermines fairness and equality.

Riley Gaines takes aim at Sarah McBridge over transgender Rights Proposal on Capitol Hill

Riley Gaines during Celebrities Visit SiriusXM - May 20, 2024 - Source: Getty

In November 2024, Riley Gaines stirred controvery with a comment about Democratic Congresswoman Sarah McBride. In responde to McBride's heated remakrs against a proposal restriciting transgender individiaul's access to women's restroom on Capitol Hill, the former NCAA swimer took to social media to express her views.

The congresswoman opposed the Republican-backed bill, calling it an attack on transgender rights, especially the right to use gender-specific facitilities in government buildings. If passed, the legislation would block her from using women's restrooms on Capitol Hills. Daily Mail US shared the post on X in November 2024, with a caption:

"Trans congresswoman Sarah McBride blasts Republicans after proposal that would block her from using women's bathroom on Capitol Hill"

Reposting the same tweet, Gaines, wrote:

"And even after his temper tantrum, he's still a man."

Riley Gaines' comment adds to the ongoing debate over transgender rights in sports and public spaces. She has repetedly voiced coners about transgender women competing in women's athletic events, stressing the importance of protecting female athletes' right to fair, sex-specific competition.