Washington Voters to Decide on Transgender Girls in School Sports

Washington voters will soon decide whether to prohibit transgender girls from competing on girls’ school sports teams, an initiative that would significantly change current state policy.

The measure would prohibit students it defines as biologically male from participating in girls-only school sports. It would also require every student participating in girls-only competition to provide a statement from a health-care provider verifying the student's biological sex as part of the required sports physical. The provider could base the verification on the student's reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or naturally produced testosterone levels. The initiative does not specify which method must be used or establish a testosterone threshold.

Support for restrictions on transgender athletes has increased nationally. A Pew Research Center survey found that 66% of Americans favor requiring transgender athletes to compete on teams corresponding to their sex at birth. Republicans strongly support such policies, while Democrats are more divided.

Limited polling in Washington suggests the initiative could be competitive. Polling commissioned by Let’s Go Washington, the conservative-backed group supporting the measure, found 56% support, including 73% of Republicans, 48% of Democrats and 52% of independents. The poll has not been publicly released.

Polling conducted by the Northwest Progressive Institute also found support for the measure when voters saw the ballot language, according to the organization's founder, Andrew Villeneuve. He said support declined when voters learned that the initiative could require physical examinations or other forms of sex verification.

Nationally, more than half of the states have enacted restrictions on transgender girls participating in girls’ sports. The Trump administration has also made restrictions on transgender participation in women's sports a federal priority.

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association estimates that fewer than 10 transgender athletes currently participate in school sports statewide.

Supporters of allowing transgender girls to compete say participation can provide opportunities for friendship, teamwork, and self-esteem. Opponents argue that biological differences can create competitive advantages and that separate rules are needed to preserve fairness in women's sports.

The initiative has drawn opposition from several prominent Washington Democrats, including Gov. Bob Ferguson, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal and state House Speaker Laurie Jinkins.

The measure has also divided some Democratic voters. Supporters of restrictions include some who say they support transgender rights generally but believe competitive athletics presents a separate issue because of differences in physical development.

Political analysts say the issue could also affect voter turnout. Supporters of the initiative argue that it addresses fairness in women's sports, while opponents contend that putting the issue on the ballot is intended to energize conservative voters.

With limited independent polling available, the outcome remains uncertain. The November vote will determine whether Washington changes its current policy governing transgender participation in school athletics.

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