OLYMPIA, Wash – The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Tuesday to allow states to exclude transgender athletes from girls’ sports teams won’t have an impact on Washington law, but a vote of the people this fall could change everything.
Idaho passed its Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in 2020. It bars transgender athletes from participating on girls’ teams from elementary school through college.
Washington allows students to participate in sports based on the gender with which they identify, arguing it’s following state laws banning discrimination.
But, voters in the state could soon change that.
Initiative IL26-638 will be on the ballot in November.
Supported by the group Let’s Go Washington, the initiative requires school districts or nonprofits to “prohibit biologically make students from competing with and against female students”.
It would require students to have a health exam or consent form signed by a doctor, confirming their biological identity.
Organizers submitted 444,434 signatures in support of placing the measure on the ballot.
In a news release Tuesday in response to the Supreme Court decision, the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction said the decision actually strengthen Washington’s current law.
“Today’s decision reinforces Washington state’s ability to adopt and implement our own laws in alignment with our values,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. “Our Legislature has been clear: All students are welcome here.”
OSPI says it expects the initiative, if it passes, would be challenged in court.
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