Repeal Washington's discriminatory I-638. Protect Trans Youth.

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The Issue

As someone with a trans step-kid and another step-child heavily involved in girls sports, I urgently take a stand against the recently passed I-638 measure in Washington State. Not only does this invasive directive impose unnecessary genital inspections on young girls wishing to partake in sports, but it also unjustly blocks trans girls from participating in girls' sports altogether.

I-638 fundamentally undermines the principles of inclusion and equality. It sets a dangerous precedent, policing the bodies of young athletes and instilling fear and insecurity in trans youth, who deserve the same opportunities as their peers. The repercussions extend beyond sports, affecting the mental health and social integration of young individuals grappling with gender identity. 

Nationally recognized health organizations, such as the American Medical Association, have clearly stated that policies attacking the rights of trans youth pose significant risks to their wellbeing. Furthermore, a report by GLSEN highlights that inclusive policies in schools lead to better mental health outcomes for all students, irrespective of gender identity.

Instead of fostering a competitive, supportive spirit, I-638 cultivates division and discrimination. It risks encouraging bullying and ostracization based on gender identity, which statistics from The Trevor Project illustrate can increase rates of depression and anxiety among LGBTQ+ youth.

Moreover, from a legal standpoint, I-638 may conflict with federal protections against discrimination, including Title IX, which aims to uphold gender parity in educational and athletic programs. Many legal experts point out that such state-level initiatives could face significant challenges in the federal court system, potentially wasting taxpayer dollars on litigation that fights the very inclusion equality laws that Title IX seeks to promote.

We must act now to prevent I-638 from damaging the lives of Washington's students. Let's urge our legislators to revisit and repeal this harmful legislation. By advocating against this discriminatory policy, we can work toward an environment in schools where every child feels safe, accepted, and valued.

Join me in signing this petition to demand the repeal of Washington's discriminatory I-638. Together, we can stand up for fairness, inclusion, and dignity for all students, irrespective of their gender identity. Sign now to protect the future of our youth.

The Decision Makers

Jamie Pedersen
Washington State Senate - District 43
Responded
“Dear folks – Thanks for your signing the petition to repeal Initiative 638. I share your disappointment and frustration at its apparent passage. I voted against the initiative; spoke out against it publicly; and doorbelled and raised over $15,000 for the No Hate in Washington State campaign. I suspect that if it does go into effect, voters will have significant buyer’s remorse for the reasons you outline. Now that I-638 has passed, it cannot be repealed or even amended for the next two years without a 2/3 majority in both chambers of the legislature. No Republican will support amendments to the initiative, so that is not a possibility. Advocates, including Gender Justice League and the ACLU of Washington, are now preparing a legal challenge to the initiative. I think that there is a strong chance that I-638 will be struck down as violating our state’s equal rights amendment, because it puts a burden on participation in girls’ sports that does not exist for boys. I wholeheartedly support that effort. Best wishes, Jamie [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]”
Laurie Jinkins
Washington House of Representatives - District 27, Position 1
Bob Ferguson
Washington Governor

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