rights
Girls will be forced to undergo vaginal inspections if voters approve anti-trans sports measure
By Daniel Villarreal at LGBTQ Nation
· June 8, 2026
· 1 min read
Voters in Washington state could approve an anti-transgender law, Initiative Measure No. IL26-638, which would require girl student-athletes statewide to confirm their "biological sex" with genital inspections just to play sports. Opponents of the initiative say it's invasive, could block poorer stu
Key takeaway IL26-638, which would require girl student-athletes statewide to confirm their "biological sex" with genital inspections just to play sports.
Why this matters
The proposed Initiative Measure No. IL26-638 in Washington state has significant implications for the rights and well-being of transgender students. By requiring genital inspections to confirm "biological sex," the initiative could effectively bar many transgender girls from participating in sports, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds who may not have access to affordable hormone or genetic testing. The fact that state policy has allowed students to play on teams matching their gender identity since 2007, with only a handful of reported cases of transgender athletes, suggests that the current system is working. The initiative's invasive requirements could also lead to pushback from medical professionals, who may refuse to comply with what they see as an unnecessary and potentially harmful practice. As voters consider this measure, they should be aware of the potential consequences for transgender students and the lack of evidence supporting the need for such drastic measures.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 8, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Voters in Washington state could approve an anti-transgender law, Initiative Measure No. IL26-638, which would require girl student-athletes statewide to confirm their "biological sex" with genital inspections just to play sports. Opponents of the initiative say it's invasive, could block poorer stu
When was this published? This article was first published on June 8, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Daniel Villarreal at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .