Washington State Narrowly Rejects Transgender Athlete Ban in Girls' Sports
In a closely contested vote on Monday, Washington state declined a proposal to bar transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports, falling short by just a single vote.
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) needed a 60% majority—32 out of 53 votes—for the measure to pass. Instead, it ended at 31-22, according to reporting from KING-TV.
A second proposed change, which would have introduced an “open division” for transgender and gender-diverse athletes to compete separately, also failed. That idea received only 13 votes, or 24.5% support, far below what was needed for approval.
This outcome represents a significant setback for those advocating for fairness in female athletics. The inclusion of biological males in girls’ competitions is seen by many as compromising not only competitive integrity but also safety.
Supporters of the proposed ban argue that the physical differences that often remain after gender transition can give trans athletes an edge. They contend that young women who dedicate themselves to training should be able to compete on equal terms. “Yes, there’s a non-zero chance that the 78th-best male swimmer is suddenly winning multiple NCAA titles as a woman for a reason,” the original piece notes.
As reported by The Seattle Times, the effort began when 14 school districts submitted a proposed amendment to the WIAA handbook, aiming to restrict participation in female sports at the middle and high school level to those who are biologically female.
In response, the WIAA developed the 2025 amendments, including the now-failed “open division” concept. But that compromise failed to gain enough support, likely because many believed it failed to address core concerns surrounding transgender inclusion in sports.
The narrow defeat of the primary measure has sparked strong emotions among its proponents. They believe that girls’ sports should reflect biological realities, rather than serve as a platform for ideological debates.
Still, there’s reason for optimism among supporters of the measure.
Securing 31 votes in a deeply liberal state like Washington signals a noteworthy shift. The growing support for policies that prioritize fairness in women’s sports reflects a broader change in public opinion—one that has been echoed in national politics, including former President Donald Trump’s widely supported stance on the issue.
The world of sports, often seen as the ultimate meritocracy, is emerging as a battleground in this larger cultural discussion. Increasingly, people are questioning the trade-offs being made in the name of inclusion.
In red states, such legislation would likely pass with ease. But the close call in Washington suggests that even some liberal strongholds are beginning to reconsider their positions on this issue.
Those who champion fairness for female athletes are being urged to stay engaged. This narrow vote offers a sign of momentum, but it also highlights that the fight is far from finished.
And as the article sharply concludes, trans advocates might pause before declaring this outcome a win. The decision, while favorable to them, comes “at the expense of female athletes seeking fairness, and that should be contemptible for any fair-minded individual.”
Ultimately, Washington’s vote marks a missed opportunity to protect girls’ sports, but the razor-thin margin suggests that change could be on the horizon. While the loss stings, it may signal a broader shift underway—one that could eventually bring balance back to women’s athletics.