SEATTLE, November 11, 2026 — Washington voters have approved Initiative 638, a measure that bans transgender girls from competing on girls’ school sports teams, with 55.83% of voters supporting the ban. The measure requires students to obtain a signed statement from a healthcare provider verifying their biological sex before participating on a girls’ team.
Background And History
The ban is set to take effect on December 3, and it has sparked debate over privacy, medical ethics, and constitutional rights. According to the initiative, students must provide a signed statement from their healthcare provider that verifies their biological sex through reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, and/or testosterone levels. This has raised concerns about the potential for “invasive and extreme” genital exams, hormone tests, or chromosome tests for girls who want to participate in sports.
Legal Challenges
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Pacific Law Group have filed a lawsuit against the state, arguing that the law is unconstitutional and violates the Equal Rights Amendment of the state constitution. The lawsuit also claims that the law infringes on the privacy rights of students protected by Article 1, Section 7. The ACLU and other organizations argue that the law discriminates against transgender girls and could lead to bullying and exclusion.
Medical Standards And Opposition
More than 100 medical providers have signed a statement opposing the measure, citing concerns that it interferes with the patient-physician relationship and could lead to unnecessary and invasive medical exams. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has said it will implement the new changes under I-638 on December 3, but the organization has also expressed concerns about the potential impact on student athletes.
Numbers And Affected Population
At least half of the states in the US have some kind of restriction on trans girls in sports, with more than 25 states enacting bans. In Washington state, there are only about 10 trans middle and high school sports players, according to the WIAA. The ban could affect these students and potentially thousands of other girls who want to participate in sports.
What’s Next
The law is set to take effect on December 3, and the WIAA will implement the new changes. The ACLU and Pacific Law Group’s lawsuit is ongoing, and the Seattle School Board has authorized possible legal action against the initiative. The outcome of these challenges will determine the future of transgender athlete participation in Washington state. By December 3, the Secretary of State is expected to certify the election results, making the law official.
Sources
- Washington voters pass initiative to ban transgender girls in girls’ sports
- Washington state passes ballot measure banning trans girls from school sports
- Lawsuits likely over Washington’s ban on trans girls in sports
- Washington transgender sports initiative is passing, but key enforcement questions remain
- Transgender sports ban prompts Seattle schools to seek legal guidance on compliance
- ACLU sues Washington state after voters pass measure to ban boys from girls’ sports
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
