LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge releases a statement today following the Arkansas Legislature's passing The GIRLS Act and Governor Asa Hutchinson's signing it into law. The Gender Integrity Reinforcement Legislation for Sports Act (GIRLS Act) will protect access to athletic opportunities for girls and women in K-12 and post-secondary institutions.

“By passing the GIRLS Act, Arkansas has secured a level playing field for all female athletes, like your daughters and my own,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “This law ensures young women and girls have the opportunity to excel in whatever sports they choose.”

The law, Act 953, will ensure equity in women’s sports in Arkansas and allows the Attorney General’s Office to bring actions to ensure compliance with the law.