Maine’s Stance on Women’s Sports and Transgender Athletes
Maine Governor Janet Mills and her administration are hesitant to interpret President Donald Trump’s executive order that limits women’s sports to biological women. Currently, many leaders in Maine are against allowing transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports, arguing that state human rights laws impose restrictions that contradicted federal guidelines. Fortunately, some elected officials, like Senator Susan Collins, advocate for fair opportunities for women in sports.
Collins seems to represent a more balanced perspective this year as the Trump administration pushes for fairness in women’s athletics. In contrast, Mills appears to engage in a conflict with Trump. Collins has emerged as a committed supporter of straightforward policies, explaining in a previous statement that her understanding of Maine’s human rights law suggests allowing men in women’s sports goes against the goals of Title IX, which aims to ensure girls have safe and fair athletic opportunities.
Mills remarked that Title IX is about equal access to sports facilities and resources based on sex, not gender identity. In March, Collins collaborated with Senate Republicans to support a bill aimed at keeping men out of women’s sports. However, despite receiving 51 votes in the Senate, the proposal was unable to overcome a filibuster initiated by Democrats.
Polling data from the University of New Hampshire indicated that a significant majority—64%—of Maine residents support restrictions on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. National polls reflect a similar sentiment, with 75% of American adults expressing opposition to transgender women participating in female sports.
Even with this broader national support, Mills is reportedly reinforcing policies that maintain the current situation. During a contentious exchange with Trump, Mills defended her administration’s stance, asserting that they comply with both state and federal laws. Maine’s Attorney General Aaron Frey reaffirmed this viewpoint, indicating confidence in how Title IX is understood alongside state regulations. The Maine Department of Education suggested to school officials to overlook Trump’s directives, based on state law.
However, relying on Maine’s human rights law is problematic for two main reasons. First, state law does not overrule federal law, and Trump’s interpretation of Title IX is established federal policy. The Constitution itself mandates that federal law prevails over state law. Second, Mills’ administration’s interpretation fails to explicitly recognize or address the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. The only relevant wording in the law emphasizes that educational institutions cannot deny equal opportunities in athletic programs.
Trump’s executive order seeks to reaffirm protections under Title IX for women’s sports without barring anyone from sports participation altogether. Therefore, it seems misleading for Mills and her administration to argue otherwise. Their approach appears to misinterpret state law to fit a political agenda that may not align with the views of their constituents—many of whom oppose their stance. They seem to place political beliefs over the well-being of female athletes in Maine.
When comparing Collins’ actions to those of Mills, the disparity is quite stark. Mills and her team appear focused on imposing their ideology despite potential harm to women’s sports, while Collins aims to champion women’s rights, even if it means risking backlash.
