<p>Measure in Democratic state says students must submit health documents verifying biological sex for girls’ teams</p><p>Voters in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/washington-state">Washington state</a> have passed a ballot measure banning transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams, a major loss for LGBTQ+ rights in a solidly Democratic state.</p><p>The measure says students in elementary, middle and high school who want to join girls’ athletics must first submit statements from their healthcare providers verifying their “biological sex”. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/21/washington-anti-trans-sports-genital-exams">Opponents have raised alarms</a> the measure may force girls to endure “invasive and extreme” genital exams to participate in school sports.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/nov/05/washington-ballot-measure-trans-athlete-ban">Continue reading...</a>