Representative Chris Corry with the 14th legislative district serving Yakima is the prime sponsor of a bill that would allow school districts in Washington State to ban biologically male students from competing against female students in athletic activities.
If passed, HB 1699 would also require verification regarding a student’s sex by a personal health care provider if the student’s sex is being disputed.
The first reading of the bill in Olympia on January 29 comes on the heels of changes made to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) handbook regarding trans students competing in girls sports.
One of the proposed changes in the agency’s handbook states student participation in girls’ sports and girls’ division is limited to students assigned female at birth.
The second proposed change would create a separate division for trans students to compete.
Language in the handbook acknowledges a focus on fair competition but adds restricting participation in girls’ athletics to girls assigned female at birth may spark legal challenges at federal and state levels.
For amendments in the WIAA handbook to pass, they must receive 60% approval from voting members of the WIAA representative assembly.
The assembly is expected to vote on the changes to trans student participation in school sports in the spring.
