**Maine Senate Rejects Bill to Exclude Trans Athletes from Girls’ Sports**
The Maine Senate voted against bill LD 1134 on Thursday, which aimed to prevent biologically male transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports. This decision reflects the ongoing resistance from the state’s Democratic leadership against former President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” issued in February. The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a lawsuit against Maine for its refusal to agree to a policy that would restrict girls’ sports to female athletes only. A federal judge has scheduled a trial for this lawsuit on April 1, 2026.
Prominent Republican lawmaker Laurel Libby criticized the Democratic majority for their decision not to pass the bill, stating in a post on social media that it disregards biological realities and the opinions of Maine residents. Libby expressed concern that the vote allows biological males to continue competing in girls’ sports and accessing spaces designated for females.
For months, athletes and women’s rights advocates have been lobbying for legislation to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports. In early May, several female athletes testified before the state legislature in support of LD 114 and similar bills, including LD 868 and LD 233.
Presque Isle student track athlete Lucy Cheney noted that Democratic lawmakers appeared less engaged with those opposing trans inclusion, suggesting a lack of compassion during discussions. Her teammate, Carrlyn Buck, echoed this sentiment, describing the questions from Democrats as “hostile” and feeling that their testimonies were met with skepticism.
The Department of Justice has accused Maine of violating federal anti-discrimination laws by enforcing policies that allow boys to compete in girls’ sports. Governor Janet Mills, along with the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Principals’ Association, continues to support trans inclusion in girls’ sports, citing the Maine Human Rights Act as the basis for gender eligibility.
In response to the ongoing debate, two Maine school districts, MSAD No. 70 and RSU No. 24, have taken independent actions regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is bill LD 1134 about?**
A: Bill LD 1134 aimed to prohibit biologically male transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports in Maine, but it was rejected by the state Senate.
