Seattle mayor Katie Wilson says she backs attempt to overturn public vote that will ban trans girls from playing in female sports

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has backed the Seattle School Board’s effort to challenge Washington’s Initiative 638 in court. The measure would bar transgender girls from girls’ school sports and require healthcare-provider verification; opponents say it threatens students’ privacy and equal rights.

More than 55 per cent of voters supported the initiative, while about 44 per cent opposed it. TransFamilies, the Washington Education Association and several families have filed a lawsuit, arguing the measure is discriminatory and violates the state constitution and Equal Rights Amendment. The School Board voted unanimously to challenge the law and is seeking legal advice; officials have until 3 December to bring a challenge.