Washington and Colorado Pass Laws to Protect Girls’ Sports
Two blue states approve measures to restrict biological males from female sports, sparking nationwide debate.
2 min read
Washington and Colorado have passed ballot measures to protect women and girls from competing against biological males in female-only sports, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. Despite the Democratic Party’s strong performance in the recent elections, these measures reflect growing concerns over gender equity in athletics.
Ballot Measures Pass with Strong Majorities
Washington’s Measure 638 passed with 56.8% of the vote, while Colorado’s Proposition 134 secured 52.3%. Both measures aim to ensure that female athletes are not forced to compete against biological males in sports, with specific requirements for verification of biological sex.
Verification and Team Designation Requirements
Measure 638 in Washington requires students to verify their biological sex through a signed statement from a healthcare provider, based on reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, and testosterone levels. The verification would apply to individual and team athletic competitions, according to the Washington state House of Representatives.
Proposition 134 in Colorado amends the state statutes to require all elementary through collegiate sports to be designated as male- or female-only based on biological sex, unless the team is specifically mixed or co-educational. Schools must implement policies to assign students to gender-based teams aligned with their biological sex.
Support and Opposition
Supporters of the measures, including Brian Heywood of Let’s Go Washington, emphasized the importance of protecting female athletes. Heywood stated, “Tonight, Washington heard you.” Protect Kids Colorado (PKC) highlighted the bipartisan nature of the issue, stating, “In a deep blue state, Colorado voters came together to protect girls’ sports!”
WE DID IT, COLORADO! PROP 134 HAS OFFICIALLY PASSED! In a deep blue state, Colorado voters came together to protect girls’ sports! Because this was never about right vs. left. It’s always been about RIGHT vs. WRONG. This is a historic victory for girls, for fairness, and… pic.twitter.com/3zi5psmbtg
These laws join 27 other states that have implemented similar legislation, according to the Movement Advancement Project. The measures have sparked nationwide debate over gender identity and sports participation, with advocates for transgender athletes expressing concern over the potential impact on inclusivity.
Source: OANN
