Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has backed a legal challenge to a newly approved Washington law that would bar transgender girls from competing in girls’ school sports.
Voters were asked whether students “defined as biologically male” should be prohibited from participating in school athletic programs designated exclusively for female students.
Known as Initiative 638, the measure also requires students to obtain verification from a healthcare provider before taking part. More than 55 percent of voters supported the initiative, while roughly 44 percent voted against it.
Following the vote, civil rights organizations and several parents filed suit in an effort to block the measure from taking effect.
The Seattle School Board separately voted unanimously to challenge the law in court. Wilson said she supports Seattle Public Schools “because every young person in Seattle deserves to thrive as their authentic self,” according to a statement.
The mayor said the board’s action reflected concerns in the community over students’ privacy, dignity and safety.
“For nearly two decades, Washington schools and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association have relied on policies designed to ensure all students can participate fully in school life,” Wilson said.
“As those longstanding protections face new challenges, we affirm the rights of transgender youth and stand with them and their families.”
Mayor Katie Wilson has endorsed the Seattle School Board’s effort to challenge the newly approved law banning transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports
Washington voters backed a ban on transgender girls competing in school sports, intensifying a debate that has sparked protests and controversy nationwide
“As mayor, I remain committed to building a Seattle where every person is welcomed, supported and valued, and where all young people can thrive as their authentic selves.”
The initiative was led by Let’s Go Washington, a conservative political action committee backed by Brian Heywood, the millionaire founder of a hedge fund.
Heywood has promoted several initiatives during this election cycle, including proposals to repeal the state income tax, require schools to give parents access to student records and prohibit “biological men” from competing in girls’ sports.
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“Five years from now, I hope girl athletes don’t know this fight took place, because that will mean that boys know their place is not in girls’ sports,” Heywood said after the measure passed.
Under Washington law, petitioners can place proposals before voters and the legislature after gathering enough signatures from state residents.
Initiative 638 has drawn strong opposition from civil rights organizations and student-focused groups.
A lawsuit brought by the nonprofit TransFamilies, the Washington Education Association teachers’ union and several Washington families claims the measure is discriminatory. Legal Voice and the American Civil Liberties Union are representing the plaintiffs.
The lawsuit alleges that the initiative violates Washington’s constitution by invading students’ privacy and requiring them to undergo sex verification before participating in school athletics.
Brian Heywood led the initiative through his political action committee, Let’s Go Washington
The plaintiffs also argue that the verification requirement applies only to girls’ sports, making it inconsistent with the state’s Equal Rights Amendment.
“Think about what this law actually does: it creates an invasive surveillance process that could traumatize young girls across Washington — all in the name of discriminating against trans people,” said Julia Marks, managing director of Legal Voice.
Let’s Go Washington has rejected the characterization of the measure as invasive, arguing that sex verification could be completed through existing medical records.
The Seattle School Board has not yet filed its own lawsuit. It is seeking legal advice on whether the measure conflicts with existing discrimination protections and privacy rules.
Local and state officials have until December 3 to challenge the measure before it takes effect.
The Washington attorney general’s office will defend the state in the case, while a superior court judge will determine whether Initiative 638 conflicts with existing law.
