Protect Girls Sports in Maine renews push for transgender athlete referendum

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) — Protect Girls Sports in Maine is again pushing to get a transgender athlete referendum on the ballot.

The group says it plans to resubmit a referendum restricting transgender student athletes from competing on teams matching their gender identity. It would also require students to use school bathrooms and locker rooms based on sex assigned at birth.

The citizen initiative was headed for the 2026 ballot, but a judge sided with Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, ruling the group did not get the required number of signatures.

The group will hold an event at the State House next Monday, where members and female athletes will speak.