Maine, Colorado to vote on transgender athlete bans this November

Voters in Maine and Colorado will decide this November whether to limit male transgender participation in women’s sports, after citizen-led petition drives forced the issue onto the ballot in both states.

In Maine, a ballot initiative qualified after organizers submitted more than 70,000 valid signatures, clearing the legal threshold. The proposal would require school sports teams, bathrooms and locker rooms to be designated based on biological sex.

The effort followed failed attempts in the Democratic-controlled Legislature. Supporters turned to the ballot process after lawmakers declined to act.

Leyland Streiff, who helped lead the initiative, said the referendum gives voters a direct say.

“This November, Mainers will get to do what the (Maine Principal’s Association) and State Legislature have failed to do,” Streiff said in a release. “And they’ll get to do it through the most democratic process possible – a simple majority vote will designate competitive sports and private facilities in our schools by sex. This is inclusive, fair and safe – everyone gets to play sports; not one single person is banned.” 

Opponents said they will campaign against the measure. A coalition led by EqualityMaine argued it would harm transgender students.

“Over and over, Mainers have said we will not allow bullying and discrimination in our schools,” said Gia Drew, executive director of EqualityMaine.

In Colorado, the measures reached the November ballot through a statewide petition process that requires more than 125,000 valid signatures per initiative. State election officials approved it this past week.

Protect Kids Colorado is leading the campaign. It organized signature-gathering efforts across the state to qualify each measure for the ballot.

Initiative 109 would prohibit transgender athletes from competing in sports that do not align with their biological sex, including at the college level.

Two other measures spearheaded by the group also qualified. One would impose life in prison without parole for child sex trafficking. Another would prohibit surgeries on minors intended to alter their anatomical sex characteristics and block public funding for such procedures.

Supporters say the initiatives reflect concerns lawmakers have ignored.

“We’re empowering everyday Coloradans to take action, protect children, and restore common-sense policies through the citizen-led lawmaking process,” said Erin Lee, executive director of Protect Kids Colorado.

Opponents argue the measures are part of a broader political effort targeting transgender individuals and families.

The votes in both states now move the issue out of the legislatures and into the hands of voters.