Washington poll shows 56% support banning boys from girls' K-12 sports
Let's Go Washington released poll data on Wednesday showing that 56% of likely voters in Washington state support Initiative 638, a measure that would prohibit biological boys from competing against girls in K-12 sports. The group behind the initiative reported that 24% of the 7,500 likely voters surveyed would vote no, while 22% remained undecided. The polling data was released ahead of the Nov. 3 election, where the initiative is on the ballot.
Let's Go Washington released poll data on Wednesday showing that 56% of likely voters in Washington state support Initiative 638, a measure that would prohibit biological boys from competing against girls in K-12 sports. The group behind the initiative reported that 24% of the 7,500 likely voters surveyed would vote no, while 22% remained undecided. The polling data was released ahead of the Nov. 3 election, where the initiative is on the ballot.
The results break down by political affiliation as follows: 73% of Republican respondents supported the measure, 48% of Democrats supported it, and 52% of independents were in favor. Hallie Herzberg, communications director for Let's Go Washington, told OutKick that the group was not surprised by the numbers, citing conversations with voters during phone calls, door-knocking, and events. Herzberg stated that the opposition is loud and intimidating but that supporters are standing with the initiative. She cautioned that the result is not a certainty and that significant work remains to be done.
Washington would become the first blue state to enforce gender separation in school sports through a voter-approved measure if Initiative 638 passes. Currently, 27 states have laws prohibiting biological males from competing against girls in K-12 sports, but none of those laws were enacted directly by voters. At a rally in Vancouver, Wash., last Saturday, five female athletes shared personal experiences regarding competing against biological males and sharing locker rooms. One athlete described seeing mustached boys flexing in a locker room mirror before a basketball game. Another detailed an investigation by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, the state's high school sports governing body, which was launched after she called an 18-year-old male athlete a man during competition.
Frances Staudt, a student-athlete, said that if Washington passes the measure, it could demonstrate to other states that such policies are possible. She noted that showing a state like Washington has the common sense to stand up for girls and women could encourage other states to follow suit.
Opponents of Initiative 638 have warned that the measure could lead to invasive genital inspections for girls as early as kindergarten. However, the initiative text does not contain language regarding such inspections. Jennifer Sey, founder of XX-XY Athletics, pointed out that none of the 27 states with enforced gender separation in sports are performing these exams.
Recent events in Washington have highlighted disputes over transgender athletes in sports. Last year, trans track athlete Veronica Garcia won the state title in the 400 meters. Last week, a Washington family requested a Supreme Court injunction after their daughter was allegedly assaulted by a trans athlete. Additionally, Camas High cross country runner Logan Mihailoff switched from the boys team to the girls team midseason this fall after finishing 76th in a September event on the boys team. Mihailoff has since won a varsity meet against the girls team. Let's Go Washington states that these situations are what Initiative 638 is intended to prevent.