In a significant House Floor session on April 17, 2025, the Tennessee Legislature honored Raleigh Gaines, a prominent swimmer and advocate for women's sports, with a resolution commending her achievements and her outspoken stance on the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's divisions. The resolution, presented by Representative Johnny Garrett, highlighted Gaines' accomplishments as a member of the University of Kentucky swim team, where she earned multiple accolades, including participation in the NCAA championships and recognition as an All-SEC first team member.

Gaines has become a notable figure in the ongoing debate surrounding the participation of transgender individuals in women's sports. Her advocacy includes lobbying state representatives to pass legislation that would restrict transgender athletes from competing in women's events. This stance has led her to participate in protests, including a notable demonstration at the January 2023 NCAA convention, where she called for rules to protect women's sports.

During the session, Representative Garrett emphasized the importance of Gaines' courage in exercising her First Amendment rights to advocate for her beliefs. He described her as a champion for women, stating that her actions reflect a common-sense approach to gender in sports. Other legislators, including Leader Lambeth, echoed these sentiments, praising Gaines for her bravery and respectful discourse in a contentious debate.

In her remarks, Gaines expressed both pride and disappointment in having to advocate for equal opportunities for women in sports. She acknowledged the support she has received but also noted the negativity that often accompanies her stance. Despite this, she remains committed to her cause, asserting that Tennessee's leadership on this issue sets a precedent for other states to follow.

The session concluded with a presentation of a framed resolution to Gaines, symbolizing the legislature's recognition of her contributions and the ongoing dialogue surrounding women's rights in sports. As the debate continues, Gaines' advocacy highlights the complexities and challenges faced by female athletes in an evolving sports landscape.