Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, expressed her opposition to transgender athletes competing in girls’ and women’s sports, citing that it goes against the spirit and intent of Title IX. Collins stated that allowing biological males to compete against girls and women in sports undermines the principles of fairness and equal access that Title IX was designed to promote. Maine did not comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order to prevent biological males from participating in girls’ and women’s sports, prompting the Health and Human Services Department’s Office of Civil Rights to refer the state’s noncompliance to the Justice Department.
Collins emphasized the importance of treating transgender individuals with respect and dignity, but maintained that Title IX was enacted to provide girls and young women with equal opportunities to participate in sports based on their sex, not their gender identity. She believes that transgender athletes participating in girls’ and women’s athletics could compromise the safety and fairness of competition, which has been central to the success of Title IX. While advocating for federal funding for Maine, Collins supports the original intent behind Title IX and continues to oppose transgender athletes competing in girls’ and women’s sports.
Maine school officials defended their decision to not comply with Trump’s executive order and attributed their stance to the Maine Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. The Maine Principals’ Association and Maine School Administrative District 51 referenced the state law that allows athletes to compete according to the gender they identify as, rather than their biological sex. The district reiterated its commitment to promoting a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of gender identity.
The Maine Human Rights Act was amended to include gender identity as a protected class, affirming that denying individuals the opportunity to participate in sports based on their gender identity constitutes discrimination. A University of New Hampshire poll indicated that a majority of Maine residents do not support transgender athletes participating in girls’ and women’s sports, reflecting public sentiment on the issue. Maine Gov. Janet Mills, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey, and the state’s Education Department have not commented on the matter, leaving the debate on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports unresolved.
Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding transgender athletes in sports, Sen. Collins and Maine school officials stand firm in their positions regarding the inclusion of transgender individuals in girls’ and women’s sports. Collins reaffirms her commitment to upholding the principles of Title IX and ensuring fair and safe athletic competition for all participants. The debate over transgender athletes competing in girls’ and women’s sports continues to spark discussions and controversies nationwide, highlighting the complexities and challenges of navigating issues of gender identity and fair competition in sports.
