WA high school sports association refuses to pass measure protecting girls' sports for second year

A proposal to stop biological boys from competing in girls’ sports has failed for a second consecutive year in Washington state, falling short of the supermajority required for approval by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA).

According to KOMO News, the WIAA’s Representative Assembly considered the measure as part of a broader slate of 22 proposed amendments, most of which are scheduled to take effect August 1. The gender participation amendment did not meet the 60 percent threshold required to pass.

Even if approved, WIAA officials indicated the proposal would not have been implemented because it conflicts with existing Washington state law. State law prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, and the association has stated that any rule violating that standard cannot be enforced.

The amendment, introduced by the Lynden School District, sought to limit participation in girls’ sports to students whose biological sex is female. It also proposed requiring boys who identify as girls to compete in boys’ divisions and suggested the creation of an “open division” for athletes of any gender.

Under current WIAA rules, student-athletes are allowed to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity. In a statement following the vote, the WIAA reaffirmed its position: “The WIAA remains committed to following Washington state law and will continue to do so moving forward.”

The issue has gained increased attention in recent years, particularly following high-profile victories by boys in girls’ sports. Two ballot initiatives slated for the November election would address similar questions at the state level, including one that would restrict boys from competing in girls’ sports.

Advocacy group Let’s Go Washington (LGW) criticized the WIAA’s decision, arguing the amendments would have provided clearer protections for girls’ athletics. LGW founder Brian Heywood said in a statement to The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI, “The WIAA had the opportunity to listen to the pleas of female student athletes asking for protections for them and their sports, but they turned a deaf ear.”

Heywood added, “Nearly half of the WIAA voting members agreed that biological males should be barred from participating in girls’ sports, yet the anti-women opposition had the final say.” He continued, “A fanatical and outspoken minority in Olympia is holding girls’ sports hostage,” and argued that current policies put female athletes at risk and limit open debate on the issue.