IL26-638 November 3, 2026 · Sex & Gender • LGBTQ • Education

Defending Equity in Interscholastic Sports Act

CCTE supports Washington IL26-638. The measure would preserve the integrity of girls' sports by prohibiting biologically male students from competing on female-only interscholastic teams, with sex verified as part of the routine sports physical.

◆Support

Vote Yes on IL26-638

Washington IL26-638 corresponds nicely with the Christian belief that God created two distinct sexes—male and female—with clear biological differences. According to Genesis 1:27, “God created man in his own image... male and female he created them.” Later in the Scriptures, Jesus upheld the binary distinction, saying that "he who created them from the beginning made them male and female" (Matt. 19:4). And today, Christians affirm this distinction as a “very good” (Gen. 1:31) design by our Creator.

Only recently have the two terms—sex and gender—been separated, with gender being understood as internally realized and externally expressed. Historically, gender was understood to be interconnected with one’s biological sex, and the two terms were used synonymously. This is true of the Christian Scriptures, which seems to equate sex and gender, treating them both as biological and fixed realities of one’s existence. Furthermore, while allowing for cultural differences regarding how one’s gender is expressed in different societies, the Scripture explicitly condemns certain forms of expression (Deut.22:5). The Christian view is that males and females are equal in dignity and value, yet differ in meaningful ways that inform how they are to relate to one another in society. And when embraced, these distinctions lead to the flourishing of the world.

IL26-638 aligns Washington's law with this historic Christian understanding of sex and gender. The initiative defines biological sex through concrete markers—a student's "reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or normal endogenously produced testosterone levels"—reflecting the same fixed, biological reality Scripture describes. And by prohibiting biological males from competing in female sports, this measure honors the dignity of both sexes while respecting the differences that make them distinct. If passed, IL26-638 is the kind of measure that will bring flourishing to Washington's students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What would IL26-638 change about current Washington law?

Washington currently has no sex-based team-eligibility restrictions in state law. Schools follow the policy of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), whose Handbook of Rules and Policies states that "All students have the opportunity to participate in WIAA athletics and/or activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity." This means biological boys may participate in girls' sports.

If IL26-638 is adopted, Washington state law would "prohibit biologically male students from competing" in sports designated specifically for female students.

How does the measure define "sex"?

IL26-638 defines a person's sex by certain biological aspects which correlate to his or her "sex assigned at birth," including the "student's reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or normal endogenously produced testosterone levels."

Which teams and levels does it apply to?

This new law applies to all K-12 interscholastic sports, both public schools directly and private schools that participate in WIAA competition.

According to the measure, how would a student athlete's biological sex be verified?

Any student wishing to participate in a sport designated for females must provide "a health examination and consent form or other statement signed by the student's personal health care provider that verifies the student's biological sex."

Importantly, IL26-638 leverages existing "Washington state law and school district policies," which already require students "to undergo a routine physical examination prior to participation in interscholastic sports." These physicals already "include documentation of the student's sex assigned at birth."

Are there any exceptions to the measure?

Biological males would never be allowed to participate on a sports team intended for females only.

This measure does not address the prospect of a biological female participating on a sports team intended for males.

How would the initiative be enforced, and what are the consequences of a violation?

Any entity—whether the WIAA or another—will be required to adopt "policies, procedures, rules, and other requirements in accordance with" IL26-638.

If a school administrator, coach, school district administrator, or student violates these rules, then the WIAA—or other supervising entity—is "authorized to impose penalties" against the offending party.

This measure does not specifically outline what penalties must look like.

Does this address bathrooms, locker rooms, or other facilities—or only teams?

This measure is limited specifically to teams.

Partner With Us

Help us equip voters with truth and clarity.

Your partnership sustains the careful, faithful research that makes this atlas — and our broader work in legislatures, classrooms, and public conversations — possible.

Become a Partner