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Washington Voters Approve Initiative Separating Boys and Girls Sports
· Confirmed
In Short: The initiative says the provider may verify sex as part of a routine sports physical, relying only on reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or normal naturally produced testosterone levels.
Tumwater High School student Frances Staudt, who has been campaigning for the initiative for two years, broke down in tears at a watch party hosted by Let's Go Washington, the organization that spearheaded the initiative.
Supporters of the initiative argue that it protects fair competition and opportunities for girls. As of Tuesday night, Initiative 638 leads with nearly 57% of the total votes counted thus far, according to the Washingtonstatestandard.
Initiative 638 would rely on 'one or more' of the following methods to determine biological sex: 'the student’s reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or normal endogenously produced testosterone levels,' according to the initiative.
"We’ve consistently recognized the inherent biological and physiological differences that give male athletes a competitive advantage in most sports," said Michael Cannon, school board director.
Opponents of I-638 argue that the verification requirement would affect all girls who play, not just transgender girls. Dr. Libby Loft, a Spokane family physician who opposed the measure, said the initiative’s text bars using a birth certificate, leaving providers with an anatomical exam, a testosterone test, or chromosome testing— the last two costing $162 and $1,310 without insurance.
Supporters of I-638 said the measure protects fair competition and opportunities for girls and adds one step to an existing process.
What this adds
The initiative would affect all girls who wish to participate in K-12 sports, not just transgender students.
What's confirmed
- Tumwater High School student Frances Staudt, who has been campaigning for the initiative for two years, broke down in tears at a watch party hosted by Let's Go Washington, the organization that spearheaded the initiative.
- Supporters of the initiative argue that it protects fair competition and opportunities for girls. As of Tuesday night, Initiative 638 leads with nearly 57% of the total votes counted thus far, according to the Washingtonstatestandard.
- Initiative 638 would rely on 'one or more' of the following methods to determine biological sex: 'the student’s reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or normal endogenously produced testosterone levels,' according to the initiative.
- "We’ve consistently recognized the inherent biological and physiological differences that give male athletes a competitive advantage in most sports," said Michael Cannon, school board director.
- Opponents of I-638 argue that the verification requirement would affect all girls who play, not just transgender girls. Dr. Libby Loft, a Spokane family physician who opposed the measure, said the initiative’s text bars using a birth certificate, leaving providers with an anatomical exam, a testosterone test, or chromosome testing— the last two costing $162 and $1,310 without insurance.
- Supporters of I-638 said the measure protects fair competition and opportunities for girls and adds one step to an existing process.
What's still developing
- Washington state's Initiative 638, which would require K-12 athletes to compete on teams aligned with their biological sex, held a substantial lead in unofficial election returns.
- Approximately 10 Washington students have disclosed being transgender to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, but the initiative would affect all girls who wish to participate in K-12 sports.
- 🇺🇸 Election news from around the country READ MORE Only one initiative backed by Let’s Go Washington appeared on course to pass after Tuesday’s election results Ahnaleigh Wilson, 17, of Eastmont High School, center, and Frances Staudt, 17, of Tumwater High School, right, speak with the media about Initiative 638 at Let’s Go Washington’s election night watch party Tuesday, Nov.
- She has reported on criminal justice, the environment and labor.
- Earlier this year, the Mead School Board unanimously passed a resolution supporting the initiative.
- As it is, the measure requires students in K-12 sports to undergo a physical examination.
- Students who want to compete in girls’ events would have to submit a statement signed by a health care provider verifying their biological sex.
- In April, WIAA member schools voted 29-24 to adopt an advisory proposal that would limit girls’ sports to biological females.
- Similar laws are on the books in 27 states, and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled this summer that state laws barring transgender athletes from girls’ teams don’t violate the 14th Amendment or Title IX.
- Nov 3, 2026, 8:29 PM | Updated: 9:29 pm Initiative 638 narrowly led in initial results, with 56.74% of votes counted in favor and 43.26% opposed.