Maine Seeks Dismissal of DOJ Title IX Lawsuit Over Transgender Athletes

Maine is facing a federal lawsuit from the Trump administration alleging that the state's policy allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls' and women's sports violates Title IX by discriminating against biological females. The state's Attorney General Aaron Frey has filed a detailed response denying all claims, arguing that the lawsuit lacks constitutional basis and that the Trump administration is misinterpreting Title IX and overstepping its legal authority. Maine maintains that its policies comply with both state and federal law, rejecting the Trump administration’s binary definition of sex and defending transgender athletes' rights. The lawsuit highlights specific instances where transgender athletes placed highly in girls' sports, although Maine denies any evidence of harm to female athletes. A federal judge has set a trial date for early December to resolve this dispute, which underscores the ongoing national debate over transgender participation in sports and federal versus state authority on gender identity protections. The case also signals potential further litigation targeting other states with similar policies.