Maine’s Stance on Women’s Sports and Trans Athletes
Maine Governor Janet Mills and her administration have chosen not to interpret President Trump’s executive order, which aims to restrict participation in women’s sports to biological women. Currently, the majority of local leaders are also refraining from this interpretation, incorrectly suggesting that Maine’s human rights law limits federal statutes. Fortunately, there are elected officials, like Senator Susan Collins, who advocate for fairness and equal opportunities for women.
Collins continues to represent the reasoned perspective of her constituents as Trump works to re-establish fairness in women’s sports. In contrast, Mills has opted to oppose the president’s stance. Collins has positioned herself as a strong proponent of practical policies, stating that Mills’ interpretation of the state’s human rights law allows for an opposition that contradicts Title IX’s intention of providing equitable athletic opportunities for girls.
She emphasized that Title IX demands equal access to sports based on sex, not on gender identity. Back in March, Collins voted with Senate Republicans in favor of a bill aimed at protecting women and girls in sports, which sought to prevent men from competing in women’s events. This legislation garnered 51 votes in the Senate but ultimately fell short of the 60 needed to overcome a filibuster.
Polls from the University of New Hampshire in March showed that 64% of Maine residents are against allowing trans athletes to compete in women’s sports. Similarly, a national poll by NBC in April indicated that 75% of American adults share this view.
Despite the clear opposition from residents, Mills and her administration seem intent on maintaining the current situation. During a contentious dinner with Trump in February, she implied adherence to the Maine Human Rights Act while claiming compliance with both state and federal laws. Maine’s Attorney General Aaron Frey noted in April that he feels confident in the interpretations of Title IX and the Maine Human Rights Act, asserting that the state law supports their current stance.
However, leaning on the Maine Human Rights Act to justify allowing men into women’s sports is, at best, problematic. For one thing, state law cannot override federal law. The Trump administration’s position regarding Title IX stands as the law of the land, clearly established by the Constitution, which asserts that federal law takes precedence over state law.
Furthermore, the Maine human rights law does not even address trans athletes or provide any basis for enabling men to compete in women’s track and field. The only mention of sports pertains to the necessity of ensuring equal opportunities in athletic programs.
Importantly, while biological males are still eligible to compete in men’s sports, Trump’s executive order reinforces Title IX protections for women. The argument being made by Mills and her administration, suggesting otherwise, appears misleading and fundamentally flawed.
It seems that Mills, Frey, and Makin are willfully misreading state laws to promote their political ideology, which is widely opposed by their constituents. They appear to prioritize their political agendas over the fairness and safety of female athletes in the state.
The contrast with Senator Collins could not be clearer. While Mills’ administration seems determined to impose their controversial ideology, potentially harming women’s access to sports, Collins has firmly advocated for women’s rights, even if it means standing against her party.
