# WA voters pass ban on trans girls in school sports

> Washington voters approve ban restricting transgender girls from girls' school sports.
- Title: WA voters pass ban on trans girls in school sports | Shortify
- Summary: Washington voters approve ban restricting transgender girls from girls' school sports.
- Keywords: wa voters, initiative 638, trans girls, school sports, girls athletics, medical documentation, biological sex, reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, testosterone levels, trans sports ban, lgbtq+ rights
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/seattle-news/advocates-rally-after-wa-voters-pass-ban-on-trans-girls-in-girls-school-sports
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: wa voters, initiative 638, trans girls, school sports, girls athletics, medical documentation, biological sex, reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, testosterone levels, trans sports ban, lgbtq+ rights
## Washington voters pass trans sports ban
Washington voters approved Initiative 638 banning transgender girls from competing in girls K-12 school sports.
## Initiative 638 requires medical documentation
The law requires students to submit medical documentation verifying their biological sex through reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or testosterone levels.
## Proponents claim fairness for cisgender girls
Proponents argue transgender girls participation in girls athletics is unfair to cisgender girls and does not require new medical exams.
## Health providers call language imprecise
Health providers say the initiative’s language is imprecise and vague, and the verification described is not part of typical sports physicals.
## Rally in downtown seattle
Community members gathered at westlake park in downtown seattle to protest the initiative, carrying transgender pride flags and chanting.
## Evan Gortner's perspective
Evan Gortner, a former student who helped develop state guidelines for trans athletes, called the ban a 180 from what he helped build.
## Let's go washington backed initiative
Let's go washington, a conservative political committee, backed initiative 638 and spent $4 million to support it.
## Opponents concede loss
Opponents of initiative 638 conceded the gap in votes was too great to overcome, with tens of thousands of ballots uncounted.
## Rally attendees voice concerns
Rally attendees said democratic leaders did not do enough to ensure initiative 638’s defeat and urged newly elected leaders to stand up for trans people.
## Governor's focus on tax issue
Governor Bob Ferguson acknowledged opposing initiative 638 but campaigned more aggressively against the repeal of the millionaires tax.
## Other states approve similar bans
Voters in arizona, colorado, and nebraska also approved bans on trans girls in girls sports in the same election.
## Washington's most restrictive ban
Washington’s measure required girls to prove biological sex through physical examinations or hormone testing, making it the most restrictive ban.
## Rally organizer's concerns
Ivanna Jovanović, an organizer with the puget sound division of the american party of labor, cited rising costs and transphobic policies as concerns.
## Legal challenges expected
Civil rights groups warn initiative 638 could run afoul of the state constitution’s equal rights amendment and the washington law against discrimination.
## Key takeaway

Washington voters passed Initiative 638 banning transgender girls from competing in girls' school sports, sparking protests and legal challenges.