Seattle mayor Katie Wilson says she backs attempt to overturn public vote that will ban
Seattle mayor Katie Wilson has spoken out in support of challenging a new law that would ban transgender girls from playing in female sports.
Washingtonians were asked at the ballot box whether a law prohibiting students ‘defined as biologically male’ should be allowed to compete in school athletic activities ‘intended for female students only.’
The law, Initiative 638, also requires verification from a healthcare provider to participate in the sport. Over 55 per cent of voters voted in favor of the law, while about 44 per cent were opposed.
In response to the vote, multiple civil rights groups and parents have filed a lawsuit to prevent the initiative from taking effect.
The Seattle School Board also voted unanimously to challenge the law in court. Wilson expressed her support for Seattle Public Schools, ‘because every young person in Seattle deserves to thrive as their authentic self,’ she wrote in a statement.
Wilson argued that the Board’s decision reflected community concerns about students’ 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,’ the mayor continued.
‘As those longstanding protections face new challenges, we affirm the rights of transgender youth and stand with them and their families.’
Mayor Katie Wilson has spoken out in support of the Seattle School Board’s effort to challenge a newly-voted on law that would ban trans girls from female sports
Washington residents voted in favor of banning trans girls from school sports. The topic has caused controversy and protests nationwide 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 spearheaded by Let’s Go Washington, a conservative political action committee sponsored by millionaire hedge fund founder Brian Heywood.
Heywood has spearheaded multiple initiatives this election cycle, including repealing the income tax, requiring schools to allow parents to see student records and prohibiting ‘biological men’ from playing in girls’ sports.
‘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 initiative passed.
Washington law allows petitioners to send proposals to voters and the legislature after collecting signatures from residents.
Initiative 638 has received significant backlash from civil rights groups and student boards.
A lawsuit filed by the nonprofit TransFamilies, the teachers’ union Washington Education Association, and several Washington families argues that the law is discriminatory. Legal Voice and the American Civil Liberties Union are representing the plaintiffs.
The complaint argues that the law violates Washington’s state constitution by intruding on students’ privacy and requiring sex verification before participating in school sports.
Brian Heywood spearheaded the initative through his political action committee Let’s Go Washington
The plaintiffs have also pointed out that the requirement applies only to girls’ sports, arguing that it violates 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, Legal Voice Managing Director.
Let’s Go Washington has denied that the law is invasive and argues sex verification can be completed using existing medical records.
The Seattle School Board has yet to file a lawsuit and is currently seeking legal guidance on how the law could conflict with discrimination and privacy guidance.
Local and statewide officials have until December 3 to challenge the law before it is enacted.
The state attorney general’s office will defend Washington in the lawsuit, and a superior court judge will rule on whether Initiative 638 conflicts with existing laws.