The Nov.2 news conference in Augusta comes one day before Maine’s closely watched Senate election, bringing renewed attention to the issue that triggered a confrontation between President Donald Trump and Democratic Gov.
Janet Mills in early 2025.The Protect Girls Sports in Maine ballot committee is seeking a place on the 2027 ballot, after its earlier petition fell 532 valid signatures short of qualifying for this year’s election.Two female athletes from Windham High School and Fryeburg Academy are scheduled to participate alongside parents, representatives of Alliance Defending Freedom and the Independent Council on Women’s Sports, known as ICONS."It’s appalling and shameful what these girls and hundreds of others have endured in Maine, and we are so glad they reached out for support," ICONS co-founder Kim Jones said in a statement ahead of the event."Their stories are a historical dark mark on Maine’s treatment of its women and girls."FEMALE ATHLETES, WOMEN'S SPORTS ADVOCATES SPEAK ON CAPITOL HILL AS TRANS ATHLETE ISSUE HOVERS OVER MIDTERMS"We are proud to stand alongside these young female athletes and their families to unapologetically say that women and girls deserve fair and safe sports, as well as privacy and dignity in places of undress," Jones continued.
"There should be no male students on girls’ teams, and no male students in girls’ restrooms and locker rooms."The initiative, "An Act to Designate School Sports Participation and Facilities by Sex," would establish requirements based on students’ sex as recorded on their original birth certificates for participation in designated school sports and access to bathrooms and other private spaces.It would also allow students to sue schools over violations.Leyland Streiff, the ballot committee’s principal officer and a leader of Maine Girl Dads, said approximately 100 volunteers collected the additional signatures over the past month."Despite needing only 532 more signatures to make the 2027...