The Washington State Democratic Party intends to support legal efforts to challenge Initiative 638, a voter-approved measure that restricts transgender girls' participation in K-12 sports. Party Chair Shasti Conrad described the initiative as "unconstitutional on its face" and stated the party backs organizations planning to pursue legal action.
Voters approved Initiative 638, which prohibits students identified as biologically male from competing in girls’ K-12 athletic competitions. The measure also mandates that students wishing to compete in female-only sports provide a health examination form or a statement from a healthcare provider verifying their biological sex based on reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or normal testosterone levels. The Associated Press reported that the measure passed with approximately 56.6% of the vote.
Opponents of the initiative have expressed concerns that it could lead to invasive exams or testing for girls. Proponents, including the group Let's Go Washington, maintain that healthcare providers can use existing medical records and that the measure does not require genital examinations.
Conrad asserted that Initiative 638 "undoes protections in Washington state law passed 20 years ago" and affirmed support for "every trans girl participating in school sports" and their right to play. The initiative alters Washington’s established policy that permitted students to participate in sports teams aligned with their gender identity.
The Washington State Democratic Party also noted that voters rejected two other measures supported by Let's Go Washington: Initiative 001, related to parental rights and student information access, and Initiative 645, which aimed to repeal the state's tax on income exceeding $1 million. Initiative 638 is scheduled to take effect on December 3, pending the certification of election results.
The Gender Justice League is reportedly evaluating legal options, while the ACLU of Washington has declined to comment on potential litigation.
The controversy surrounding transgender participation in sports has been visible in other contexts within the state. In Camas, a portion of the high school cross-country team reportedly walked off before a race to protest the participation of a transgender teammate. The runner had previously competed in the boys' category before switching to the girls' team, a move that district officials and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association stated complied with existing rules.
Separately, a federal lawsuit is challenging Washington’s wrestling policy. A Puyallup student alleges that a transgender opponent sexually assaulted her during a girls' match in December 2025. Although the claim has not led to criminal charges, the student's family has sued state and school officials and requested emergency relief from the Supreme Court after lower courts denied an injunction. As of November 3, the Supreme Court's docket indicated the application remained pending.
Another Title IX dispute arose from a girls' basketball game in Tumwater. A player reportedly sat out a game against Shelton in February 2025 after learning a transgender student was on the opposing girls' team. A complaint filed on the player's behalf alleged that the district denied her a fair opportunity to compete and retaliated against her for speaking out. The U.S. Department of Education has opened an investigation into these allegations, though this action does not constitute a finding of Title IX violation.