Georgia is poised to enact two significant policy changes targeting transgender residents: a new statewide restriction on transgender student athletes and an appeal to reinstate a ban on gender-affirming care in prisons. Supporters say the measures protect fairness in sports and maintain security in corrections. Critics argue they are unnecessary, expensive, and harmful to communities already facing disproportionate barriers.

Trans sports ban set to take effect in 2026

Under a law taking effect July 1, 2026, public school athletic programs must designate teams by sex assigned at birth, and the measure explicitly bans transgender girls from participating in girls' sports. 

State leaders who backed the legislation say the policy is about ensuring competitive fairness for female athletes. But LGBTQ advocates note that Georgia has no known transgender athletes competing in public school sports, calling the move a political statement rather than a response to real-world issues.

Opponents also say the policy could cause emotional and social harm for transgender students, who already face elevated rates of depression, bullying, and school disengagement. Some educators warn that the law may also force districts to navigate complicated questions around privacy, enforcement, and student safety.

State appeals ruling blocking gender-affirming care ban in prisons

Georgia is also appealing a federal judge's ruling that blocked the state from enforcing a separate law that bans gender-affirming care for incarcerated transgender people. 

State officials have argued the law is necessary to maintain security and prevent what they describe as inconsistent medical standards across correctional facilities. But medical associations — including the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association — broadly recognize gender-affirming care as evidence-based treatment for gender dysphoria.

Advocates say blocking care could worsen mental-health crises inside prisons, where transgender people already report disproportionate levels of violence, isolation, and health complications.

In a statement, Bentley Hudgins, Georgia State Director of the Human Rights Campaign, said the state's continued legal fight will "bring more financial burdens to Georgia" and distract from core responsibilities. Hudgins pointed to more than $4.1 million already paid by the state to settle similar cases, calling the bill "undignified, expensive discrimination." 

They added: "My hope is that when lawmakers return in January, they focus on feeding the hungry, expanding access to health care, and addressing the ever-rising cost of living — not restricting best-practice medical care for incarcerated transgender people."

What's next

Both issues are expected to resurface when lawmakers reconvene for the 2026 legislative session. Civil rights groups have signaled they plan to challenge the sports policy and continue fighting the prison-care restrictions in court.

For now, families, students, and incarcerated Georgians are left in limbo — uncertain how the shifting legal landscape could affect their health, safety, and ability to participate fully in public life.