Washington initiatives threaten safety of LGBTQ+, critics say

A coalition of parents, educators, counselors, and law enforcement professionals is urging voters to reject two proposed Washington initiatives that it decries as “anti-trans.”

Both measures are backed by the conservative group Let’s Go Washington. IL 26-001 aims to restore the so-called “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” while IL 26-638 would bar transgender girls from girls’ sports. The group, Washington Families for Freedom, said the initiatives would increase risks of abuse and discrimination among LGBTQ+ students.

“Paid signature gatherers are promoting poorly written initiatives that will threaten the safety of every Washington student,” Libby Watson, campaign manager for Washington Families for Freedom, said.

Critics speak out against Washington initiatives

Several speakers gather