Maine Residents Show Strong Opposition to Trans Athletes in Women's Sports, Poll Reveals

A recent University of New Hampshire poll has revealed that a significant majority of Maine residents oppose transgender athletes competing in girls’ and women’s sports. The survey showed that 64% of respondents believe trans athletes "definitely should not" or "probably should not" participate in these categories, while only 29% supported their inclusion.

This debate comes amidst Maine's refusal to comply with former President Donald Trump’s executive order barring biological males from competing in women's sports. The state’s noncompliance has led the Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights (OCR) to escalate the issue to the Justice Department, citing violations of Title IX.

The poll also highlighted some political nuances. While the majority of Maine residents opposed trans athletes in female sports, 56% of Democrats in the state expressed support for their inclusion. Additionally, opinions on policy enforcement divided the population: 50% wanted federal-level regulations, while 41% preferred leaving it to individual states.

Meanwhile, controversy continues to brew at Greely High School, where a transgender athlete’s victory in the girls’ pole vault competition earlier this year sparked national attention. The Maine School Administrative District 51 announced it would not comply with Trump’s mandate, stating it would adhere to state law and the Maine Human Rights Act.

Adding fuel to the fire, Maine Republican state Rep. Laurel Libby publicly named the transgender athlete involved, drawing sharp criticism and a formal censure from the legislature. Libby has since filed a lawsuit to challenge the censure, claiming that the state’s policies prioritize ideology over fairness and safety for female athletes.

The Trump administration had previously warned Maine officials of potential consequences, including withholding federal funding, if the state failed to comply with Title IX protections. Governor Janet Mills responded with a threat of legal action and engaged in a heated exchange with Trump at the White House, marking another chapter in this contentious debate.

Despite protests outside the state Capitol and temporary funding pauses, Maine officials, including the Maine Principals' Association and the Department of Education, have continued to support trans inclusion in girls’ sports, maintaining that their policies align with the Maine Human Rights Act.

OCR Acting Director Anthony Archeval has reiterated the federal government’s stance, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding women’s sports. "Girls deserve girls-only sports without male competitors," Archeval stated, warning of strict enforcement of Title IX if Maine remains defiant.