Washington Initiative 638 Would Require Genital Exams for Trans Girls in School Sports

Initiative 638, a statewide ballot measure in Washington, would bar transgender girls from competing on girls’ teams unless they undergo “sex-verification” through costly genetic or hormone testing—or a direct genital examination. Boys would face no comparable requirement. The measure, introduced by the political action committee Let’s Go Washington, is described by opponents as the most restrictive of four anti-trans ballot initiatives currently circulating in the state.

The Guardian

The proposal follows a wave of anti-trans legislation accelerated during the Trump administration, during which dozens of hospitals halted care for trans youth after federal funding threats. A June Supreme Court decision affirmed that bans on trans athletes are constitutional, prompting four states to place similar measures on the November ballot. Washington’s initiative adds a medical-exam component that critics say exceeds the scope of a routine sports physical.

The Guardian

Medical and educational leaders argue the exam requirement is medically unnecessary and creates a safety risk. Family doctor Libby Loft (Spokane) says the law forces physicians to examine reproductive anatomy rather than rely on birth certificates, a practice she deems “inappropriate.” High-school teacher and former coach John Gallagher (Seattle) calls the policy “incredibly exclusionary,” noting it targets a very small population of students.

The Guardian

• The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association reports only about 10 transgender athletes among 200,000 student athletes statewide.

The Guardian

• More than 140 healthcare providers have signed a statement opposing Initiative 638.

The Guardian

• The “No Hate in Washington State” campaign, led by manager Libby Watson, has gathered nearly 600 endorsers—including U.S. Senator Patty Murray and Planned Parenthood—and mobilized over 6,300 volunteers for door-knocking and phone-banking.

The Guardian

• Organizers say messaging that highlights the gender-specific impact and invasiveness of the exams resonates most with voters.

The Guardian

• “I tell my kids and patients that my No 1 job is to keep them safe,” — Gellner

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• “The way the measure is written says that I, as a physician, cannot rely on a birth certificate,” — Libby Loft, a family doctor in Spokane

The Guardian

• “While I believe that a vast majority of people who enter the medical profession do it for the right reason, writing legislation that opens the door to predators is just not responsible,” — Gellner

The Guardian

• “To me, this particular policy is incredibly exclusionary,” — John Gallagher, a Seattle-based high school teacher and former cross-country coach

The Guardian