'Invasive and extreme': doctors fight anti-trans measure requiring genital exams for student athletes
A Washington referendum has drawn broad opposition from adults who work with queer and trans teens
TL;DR
- A Washington state ballot initiative (Initiative 638) proposes mandatory genital exams for girls participating in sports.
- Pediatric nurses and doctors are campaigning against the initiative, citing it as invasive, extreme, and a violation of their professional duty.
- The measure, founded by hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, is considered the most restrictive of four statewide measures targeting transgender youth participation in sports.
- Opponents argue that the requirement is inappropriate for sports physicals and potentially harmful, referencing past abuse cases.
- A broad coalition, including the No Hate in Washington State campaign, unions, and prominent politicians, is mobilizing to defeat the measure.
- Critics state that the initiative unfairly targets a small population of transgender students and is a "culture war issue."