Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has backed a legal challenge to a new 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 taking part in school athletic activities designated exclusively for female students.
The measure, Initiative 638, also requires athletes to obtain verification from a healthcare provider before participating. More than 55 percent of voters supported the law, while roughly 44 percent rejected it.
Following the vote, several civil rights organizations and families filed a lawsuit seeking to block the initiative from taking effect.
The Seattle School Board separately voted unanimously to challenge the measure 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 decision reflected concerns in the community about student privacy 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.”
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson supports the school board’s effort to challenge the newly approved law restricting transgender girls’ participation in girls’ sports
Washington voters approved a ban on transgender girls competing in school sports, escalating a contentious national debate that has sparked protests in recent years
“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, a millionaire hedge fund founder.
Heywood has supported several initiatives during this election cycle, including proposals to repeal the income tax, require schools to give parents access to student records and prevent “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 put proposals before voters and the legislature after gathering the required number of signatures from state residents.
Initiative 638 has drawn strong opposition from civil rights organizations and student-focused bodies.
A lawsuit brought by the nonprofit TransFamilies, the Washington Education Association teachers’ union and several Washington families claims the law is discriminatory. Legal Voice and the American Civil Liberties Union are representing the plaintiffs.
The complaint alleges that the measure violates the Washington Constitution by invading students’ privacy and requiring sex verification before they can participate in school sports.
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 a violation of 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 claim that the process is invasive, arguing that sex verification can be completed through existing medical records.
The Seattle School Board has not yet filed its own lawsuit and is seeking legal advice on whether the measure conflicts with existing discrimination and privacy protections.
Local and state officials have until December 3 to challenge the law 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.