“While we are thrilled and gratified that, in a historic vote, Washington State rejected I-001 on Tuesday, we are deeply disappointed that voters here approved I-638, which will require tens of thousands of elementary, middle, and high school girls to suffer intrusive, potentially harmful sex-verification inspections every year if they wish to play team sports; and also deny transgender girls the opportunity to participate in school sports along with their peers. No child should have to undergo intrusive medical scrutiny to participate in school athletics. And no student should be singled out or excluded from opportunities because of who they are. Passage of the measure will also deny parents, schools, and athletic associations vitally important decision-making power.

“MomsRising vigorously fought these ballot initiatives, both of which were bankrolled by a Trump mega-donor and hedge fund multi-millionaire who used deception and scare tactics to build support for them. Our state is better off because he failed on I-001, which would have repealed the bipartisan law that ensures students have access to education and a safe learning environment, removed protections for abused children, forced schools to ‘out’ LGBTQIA+ students, and required teachers and counselors to reveal student identities to parents, even when doing so puts the student at risk for abuse or homelessness. It is one of the first times voters in our country stopped an anti-trans initiative.

“To every trans girl, you belong on the court, on the field, and on the team. We will continue fighting to repeal I-638. Our commitment to protecting every child in our state will never waver.”