Election season is upon us, so it’s time to get familiar with what’s on your ballot, including two harmful initiatives – I-001 and I-638 – and why you should vote NO on both!
What is No Hate in WA State all about?
Pro-Choice Washington is proud to be a part of the No Hate in Washington State Campaign. Together we’re working with nurses, mental health experts, teachers, and domestic violence prevention groups to defeat these initiatives that threaten the safety of all Washington kids.
Check out the No Hate In WA State campaign website to learn more about how you can get involved and show your support.
The First Initiative, 001
The first initiative, Initiative 001, puts Washington students at greater risk of abuse and harm.
Initiative 001 removes common sense protections for victims of child abuse by allowing parents under criminal investigation or parents who have been charged with harming their own child access to sensitive information that could put kids at greater risk.
Initiative 001 also worsens the teen mental health crisis. It discourages students facing domestic violence, sexual abuse, or bullying from seeking help from trusted school counselors.
Finally, Initiative 001 forces teachers and school counselors to knowingly put LGBTQ+ kids in danger of violence or homeless by outing them to unsupportive families.
The Second Initiative, 638
The second initiative, Initiative 638, aims to keep transgender girls from participating in school sports.
Initiative 638 would force tens of thousands of Washington girls each year to undergo invasive, embarrassing, and potentially harmful genital exams or costly hormone or genetic testing just to play school sports at any age or level. Boys would not be subject to the same examinations.
This is the most extreme MAGA measure of its kind in the country. Initiative 638 discourages girls from playing sports. It also institutes a statewide blanket ban on all transgender girls in all sports, outlawing case by case decisions.
To care about girls’ sports, let’s remove barriers for all girls, rather than put up more barriers. Invasive genital exam requirements are not the answer.
Why Are We Voting on These Initiatives?
These initiatives are funded by Brian Heywood, a MAGA millionaire who has spent millions of dollars to put initiatives like these before Washington voters.
As he bankrolls these initiatives and meddles in the lives of Washington families, it’s up to us to stand up for what we know is right.
We believe that every child should be free to be themselves, learn and grow, and feel safe at school. If you believe that too, vote NO on Initiative 001 and Initiative 638 this November to reject hate, bullying and harassment in Washington state.
Make sure to follow the campaign throughout this election season, and show your support by making a contribution today.
