Tacoma City Council Unanimously Passes Resolution Opposing Ballot Initiatives I-638 and I-001 on November Ballot
Tacoma, WA – At Tuesday’s regular council meeting, Tacoma City Councilmembers voted unamimously to approve a resolution opposing two MAGA-backed ballot measures before Washington’s voters on this November’s ballot. The resolution was introduced by Councilmember Olgy Diaz of South Tacoma. Tacoma is the first city to take a position against these ballot measures.
Councilmember Olgy Diaz explained why the Council took action: “I-001 removes common sense counseling and social work record protections for victims of child abuse, putting them in more danger. I-638 puts girls who want to play sports at greater risk of harm by requiring medical sex verification, including possible invasive genital inspections. Both initiatives are aimed at dividing our communities and distracting us from real issues like affordability.
We are encouraging community members to vote no on I-001 and I-638 to protect schools as safe places for youth to disclose abuse, and to protect the right of all girls to play sports without the barriers and risks of invasive genital exams or expensive genetic testing. Initiative supporters are playing politics with our kids, but voters can protect kids from danger by joining us in opposing these poorly-written and harmful initiatives.”
Libby Watson, campaign manager for No Hate in WA State, reacted to the passage of the resolution: “These initiatives are divisive and deceptive. They both put Washington youth at risk of harm, and feed anti-LGBTQ hate. It is inspiring to see the City of Tacoma take such bold action, joining doctors, nurses, domestic violence prevention groups, teachers and parents including Planned Parenthood, League of Women Voters, WA State Nurses Association, and the WA State Coalition Against Domestic Violence in opposing I-638 and I-001.”
Jaime Fineman-McKinney, a Tacoma school counselor, applauded the Council’s action: “As someone who has a professional duty to support and protect all students, especially the most vulnerable, I am proud to see city leaders take action and stand up against these wrong-headed initiatives which, if passed, would raise the risk of harm to our students.”
The Tacoma City Council joins more than 300 health and community organizations and leaders opposing I-001 and I-638 on Washington’s November ballot including the Washington State Nurses Association, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, and the Washington State League of Women Voters.
