Maine lawmakers hear public testimony on transgender students playing in girls sports

AUGUSTA (WGME) — Lawmakers heard hours of testimony Thursday, as crowds of people filled the halls of the Maine State House to share their views on transgender students playing in girls sports.

Most of the legislation discussed by the Judiciary Committee Thursday focused on policies around transgender students accessing private spaces and participating on school sports teams.

“The dignity and safety of thousands of girls are being denied,” Winterport parent and running coach Katherine Collins said.

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Several of the bills, sponsored by Republican lawmakers, would repeal current state policies that allow transgender students to play on girls sports teams and use bathrooms or locker rooms that align with their gender identity.

Those lawmakers say girls need a safe and level playing field and argue that can’t happen if they play against transgender athletes.

“The only path forward is to enact policy that prioritizes the safety, privacy and equitable opportunities for our girls,” Rep. Katrina Smith (R-Palermo) said.

But transgender advocates say these bills are a step backwards.

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“We don’t go back to that place where transgender people are treated like second-class citizens,” Equality Maine Executive Director Gia Drew said.

The legislation follows a Title IX lawsuit filed by the Trump administration seeking to ban transgender girls from playing on girls sports teams. Bill sponsors claim the lawsuit could be dropped if Maine law is changed.

“We have been in touch with the Trump administration, and they’re fully on board with the legislation,” Smith said.

Multiple rooms in the State House were filled with people waiting to testify, including Maine high school students who missed class to speak directly to lawmakers.

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“People want to be a part of communities. People want to participate and just have fun and be kids and grow up while being trans,” transgender high school freshman Simone Trombley said. “These are just kids. They’re just trying to play games.”

“I think girls sports are not the place for that,” high school student-athlete Liana Hartwell said. “If they really wanted to, they could push for their own league and play co-ed.”

More than 200 people signed up to give testimony on Thursday.