US EditionCitizen initiative regarding trans athletes in school sports has enough valid signatures
The initiative, supported by over 71,000 valid signatures, would require school sports and facilities be designated by birth sex, with potential legislative or voter decision in November.
- On Tuesday, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows certified the citizen initiative 'An Act to Designate School Sports Participation and Facilities by Sex' after validating 71,033 signatures.
- The petition drive, led by Leyland Streiff and the Protect Girls Sports in Maine, circulated since Nov. 3, 2025, and submitted 8,659 petition forms with 79,692 signatures on Feb. 2, 2026, claiming over 82,000 signatures.
- The initiative would require schools to designate teams and facilities by birth-assigned sex, mandate students to play on teams matching birth certificates, and allow girls on boys' teams only if no female team exists.
- The initiative now moves to the Maine Legislature for consideration; if declined, it would go to voters on Nov. 3, 2026, with Bellows' office drafting ballot wording later this year.
- The certification lands amid a legal fight by the Trump administration and DOJ, with supporters like U.S. Sen. Susan Collins backing the measure and opponents warning it could 'embolden adults to harass' students.
15 Articles
15 Articles
‘Protect Girls Sports in Maine’ Referendum Cleared for November Ballot After Signature Validation
AUGUSTA, Maine — A citizen-led initiative aimed at designating school sports participation and facilities by sex is officially headed to the November 2026 ballot after the Maine Secretary of State’s office confirmed the petition met the required signature threshold. According to the Secretary of State’s determination, 8,067 petition forms containing 79,692 signatures were submitted on [...]
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Florida PhoenixMainers to vote on whether to end transgender inclusion in school sports
Alice Frost, who identifies as transgender, speaks to a reporter after a rally in Cumberland, Maine on Sunday, March 23, 2025, calling on Maine lawmakers, and local MSAD51 school officials, to support transgender student athletes. (Photo by Troy R. Bennett/ Maine Morning Star)Mainers will vote on the rights of transgender student athletes to access sports teams, bathrooms and locker rooms aligning with their gender identity this November. On Tue…
Citizen initiative regarding trans athletes in school sports has enough valid signatures
The initiative "An Act to Designate School Sports Participation and Facilities by Sex" will go to the Maine Legislature for consideration. Lawmakers can choose to enact the bill as written or send it forward to a vote on the November statewide ballot.
Mainers to vote on whether to end transgender inclusion in school sports • Maine Morning Star
Alice Frost, who identifies as transgender, speaks to a reporter after a rally in Cumberland, Maine on Sunday, March 23, 2025, calling on Maine lawmakers, and local MSAD51 school officials, to support transgender student athletes. (Photo by Troy R. Bennett/ Maine Morning Star)Mainers will vote on the rights of transgender student athletes to access sports teams, bathrooms and locker rooms aligning with their gender identity this November. On Tue…
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