Washington voters will decide Tuesday whether to bar students the measure defines as “biologically male” from competing in girls-only school sports. Initiative 638 would also require every student who wants to play in those competitions to have a health care provider verify the student’s biological sex, according to the Washington House Office of Program Research.
What I-638 would do
The measure applies to public K-12 schools and to private schools that take part in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) or similar groups, the Attorney General’s explanatory statement in the state voters’ pamphlet says. The statement says the measure “would generally prevent transgender girls from participating on girls’ sports teams.”
Verification would be based on “reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or normal endogenously produced testosterone levels.” The provider’s statement would be part of the routine sports physical. If approved, the measure takes effect Dec. 3, the Office of Financial Management says.
Current WIAA rules let students take part according to their gender identity. The initiative reached the ballot after the Legislature took no action on it during its 2026 session.
Supporters and opponents
The measure is backed by Let’s Go Washington. “Everyone should have access to sports — but girls shouldn’t have to give up their spots to boys,” Carol Brown, a former Olympic rower who supports I-638, told the Seattle Times editorial board, Axios reported.
Supporters argue in the voters’ pamphlet that the measure “doesn’t require invasive or expensive exams” and that “Standard primary pediatric care already verifies sex.”
Gov. Bob Ferguson and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray have publicly opposed the initiative, KING 5 reported. Opponents say the verification rule would burden girls. “Asking girls to submit themselves to exams, and other tests, invasive exams as well, that are not going to apply to any boys in any boys’ sports category is something that should be concerning to every single person,” state Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, who opposes the measure, said, according to KING 5.
The initiative does not specify what examination would be required, KING 5 reported. The WIAA told Axios it knows of about 10 transgender student athletes statewide each year, based on self-disclosure, and acknowledged there are likely others.
How to vote
Ballots must be in an official drop box by 8 p.m. Tuesday or postmarked by Election Day, the Secretary of State’s office says.
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