News

State verifies signatures on initiative seeking to bar transgender students from girls’ sports

State verifies signatures on initiative seeking to bar transgender students from girls’ sports

Photo: Saga Communications/Ellie Coberly


OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A state initiative seeking to ban transgender students from participating in girls’ sports is moving forward.

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs announced on Thursday, Jan. 22 that signatures have been verified for one of Let’s Go Washington’s new initiatives.

If passed, it would bar students who were assigned male at birth from participating in female youth sports.

The WIAA has previously considered amendments that would make similar changes, but says that current state law prohibits them from taking effect.

The state legislature now has the option to pass the initiative or send it to voters in November’s general election.

But, as My Bellingham Now previously reported, Democratic leaders in Olympia have stated that they don’t plan to consider the initiative.

Hobbs says his office is still verifying signatures on LGW’s other initiative, which seeks to repeal recent changes made to the “Parent’s Bill of Rights” in schools.

Recent Headlines

23 hours ago in Sports

Djokovic one away from 400 Grand Slam match wins; Wawrinka makes history

Novak Djokovic improved to 399 wins in Grand Slam matches with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Francesco Maestrelli on Thursday, making the 38-year-old, 24-time major winner just one shy of becoming the first player ever to 400.

23 hours ago in Sports

The AP NFL MVP finalists are Allen, Lawrence, Maye, McCaffrey and Stafford

Christian McCaffrey is the first player to be a finalist for three AP NFL awards in the same year, joining Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford in the running for The Associated Press 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player award.

23 hours ago in Sports

Sherrone Moore is returning to court in case related to his firing as Michigan football coach

Former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore is returning to court for the first time since being charged with vengeful acts against a woman shortly after he was fired for having a relationship with her.

2 days ago in Sports

Record crowds witness Sabalenka, Alcaraz, Gauff and Zverev advance at Australian Open

Another day, another record crowd. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz advanced in straight sets Wednesday and the No. 3 seeds — Coco Gauff and Alexander Zverev — also progressed to the third round of the Australian Open.

3 days ago in Sports

Catcher J.T. Realmuto and Philadelphia Phillies finalize $45 million, 3-year contract

Catcher J.T. Realmuto and the Philadelphia Phillies finalized their $45 million, three-year contract on Tuesday. Realmuto gets salaries of $15 million in each of the next three seasons and can earn a maximum $5 million annually in award bonuses.