Maine Senate Defeats Bill Aimed at Excluding Trans Athletes from Girls’ Sports Amid Ongoing Controversy

Maine Senate Defeats Bill Aimed at Excluding Trans Athletes from Girls’ Sports Amid Ongoing Controversy

The Maine Senate voted against bill LD 1134, which sought to bar biologically male trans athletes from participating in girls’ sports. This decision was made on Thursday.

The rejection of the bill reflects the persistent resistance from the state’s Democratic leadership against an executive order by former President Donald Trump, known as “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” dating back to February.

In an escalating legal situation, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Maine for not agreeing to a proposal that would restrict girls’ sports to females only. A federal judge has set an April 1, 2026, trial date to address these legal matters.

Prominent Maine Republican lawmaker Laurel Libby, who has played a significant role in the statewide debate over this issue, expressed her disappointment in the Democratic majority’s decision not to pass the bill in a post on X. She stated that the legislature’s actions disregard “biological reality” and fail to reflect the sentiments of the people of Maine.

Libby commented, “The Democrat majority just voted to allow biological males to continue to dominate in girls’ sports and invade girls’ spaces.” Such remarks underscore the growing tensions surrounding the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s competitions.

Athletes and advocates for women’s rights have been actively lobbying for months, urging the state to implement measures that would restrict trans athletes from participating in girls’ sports. In early May, several young female athletes gathered to advocate for this cause, testifying before the state legislature in support of three key pieces of legislation, including LD 114 and similar bills LD 868 and LD 233.

Lucy Cheney, a student athlete from Presque Isle, shared her observations regarding the legislative process. She noted a disparity in the way Democratic lawmakers engaged with different testimonies: “Democrats definitely asked a lot less questions to the people who they didn’t agree with than the people who they did agree with. It seemed they did not feel as compassionate toward us.”

Cheney’s teammate, Carrlyn Buck, also noted a disconcerting atmosphere during testimonies. She described the Democrats’ inquiries as sometimes “hostile,” suggesting a feeling of intimidation during the questioning phase. Buck expressed that some of the questions appeared to be intended more for cross-examination than open dialogue.

The Department of Justice’s lawsuit contends that Maine is violating federal anti-discrimination laws by enforcing policies allowing boys to compete against girls in athletic events intended solely for female participants. This accusation has heightened the stakes for the state’s education and sports departments.

Governor Janet Mills, alongside the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Principals’ Association, supports maintaining inclusion for trans athletes in girls’ sports. They argue that the Maine Human Rights Act establishes the framework for gender eligibility in athletics.

In a response to the state’s stance, two school districts in Maine have proactively decided to change their policies to prohibit trans athletes from competing in girls’ sports. Both MSAD No. 70 and RSU No. 24 have taken these steps in hopes of aligning their athletic policies with the beliefs of many in their communities.

A survey conducted by the American Parents Coalition indicated significant public sentiment regarding this topic. Out of approximately 600 registered voters in Maine, 63% stated that participation in school sports should depend on biological sex, while 66% believed it is fair to limit women’s sports to biological females. Notably, 60% of respondents showed support for a potential ballot measure that would restrict participation in women’s and girls’ sports to biological females. This survey highlighted that even among independent voters and parents with children under 18, supporting these restrictions received considerable backing.

Despite this public support, Governor Mills remains steadfast in her opposition to the Trump administration’s directives regarding gender in sports, accepting the associated legal costs. In a statement made to reporters in April, Mills expressed her willingness to litigate the complaints raised by the DOJ, asserting, “I’m happy to go to court and litigate the issues that are being raised in this court complaint.”

Debate Intensifies as Legal Battle Looms

The ongoing debate surrounding trans athletes in sports continues to polarize communities across the nation, and Maine is no exception. As advocates on both sides prepare for a protracted legal battle, the implications for young athletes in the state are substantial.

As the court date approaches, eyes will be on Maine. Schools, athletes, parents, and policymakers are all invested in the outcome of this legal dialogue. As society grapples with the complexities of gender identity and athletic competition, the resolution in Maine could set a precedent for future legislation and policy nationwide.

Ultimately, the question remains: How will this informed discourse shape the future of girls’ sports and the inclusion of trans athletes? The state’s decisions today will undoubtedly resonate well beyond its borders.