WA Proposed Ballot Measures “An Attack On All Peoples’ Bodily Autonomy”
Two initiatives on the ballot this November have been called anti-#2SLGBTQIA+ by opponents of the measures, including the #AffiliatedTribes of #NorthwestIndians.
by Lyric Aquino, Underscore Native News + Report for America and Nika Bartoo-Smith, Underscore Native News + ICT October 9, 2026
Excerpt: " #WashingtonState is one of five states — along with #Arizona, #Colorado, #Missouri and #Nebraska — with #AntiTransgender initiatives on the November ballot. There are two measures on the ballot in Washington that would be consequential for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
"Washington #Initiative638 aims to ban trans girls from girls’ sports, and Washington #Initiative001 would threaten the privacy and safety of 2SLGBTQIA+ students by opening up access to all school records to parents, including medical and mental health records. Opponents of the measure say it could force school staff to out students who may not be accepted at home.
"The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians , a nonprofit organization representing 57 tribal governments, passed a resolution at its annual September convention opposing both ballot measures.
" 'Therefore, be it resolved, that #ATNI strongly opposes Washington Initiatives I-001 and I-638 and finds that these measures are inconsistent with the Tribes’ commitment to protecting children, strengthening families, and ensuring the well-being of all young people,' the text of the resolution reads.
"This is a clear assertion of #TribalSovereignty, said #ShelbyChestnut, a citizen of the #AssiniboineNation on the #FortPeckReservation and executive director of the #TransgenderLawCenter.
" 'It is saying not only are we not standing for hate in our state and in our region, but we’re saying our Two-Spirit and trans community members are valued assets of our community,' Chestnut said.
"More anti-trans bills are likely to come in following years, Chestnut told Underscore Native News and ICT, based on the trajectory of this presidential administration. Other opponents of the anti-trans initiatives are also worried that Washington is being used as a blueprint for other states across the country."
#TwoSpirits #GBLTQ2S #AntiTransLegislation #Elections2026 #BodilyAutonomy #USPol #IndigenousPeoplesDay
#USElections #IndigenousNews #IndigenousSovereignty #2S