Washington WIAA Votes Down Transgender Athlete Ban Proposals

Two proposed amendments to restrict transgender participation in Washington high school sports failed to pass in a recent Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) vote. One narrowly missed the 60% supermajority required, seeking to limit girls' sports to biological females, while the other, which would have created an 'open' division for transgender and nonbinary students, was defeated by a wider margin. Both proposals were advisory only, as enforcing them would conflict with Washington state laws protecting transgender rights. The WIAA emphasized its continuing commitment to follow state law, which currently allows students to compete based on gender identity. School districts that submitted the proposals, such as Lynden, have indicated possible legal action in response to the state's gender inclusivity rules. The status quo remains, allowing transgender student-athletes to participate according to their gender identity.