A recent survey from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center shows that 64% of Maine residents believe transgender female athletes should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports.
The survey, conducted from March 20-24 with 1,057 respondents and a 3% margin of error, found that 29% of Mainers think transgender female athletes should be allowed to compete, while 7% are unsure.
The results come as the Trump administration pressures Maine to comply with Title IX, which bans sex-based discrimination.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order prohibiting transgender female athletes from competing in women’s sports and warned Gov.
Janet Mills last month said that federal funds could be withheld if the state does not comply. The administration has also launched investigations into Maine’s Department of Education and the Maine Principals’ Association over the issue.
The survey revealed sharp partisan differences. While 56% of Democrats support allowing transgender female athletes to compete, only 14% of independents and 1% of Republicans agree.
Meanwhile, Republicans at the State House are introducing several bills to bar transgender girls from joining female sports teams and using gender-specific facilities like locker rooms and bathrooms.
Public hearings on these bills are expected in the coming weeks.
Gov. Mills, who has clashed with Trump over the state’s policy on transgender athletes, has called for a public debate on the issue.
She recently stated that the disagreement with the Trump administration is more about presidential authority than transgender athlete participation.
The survey also measured Trump’s job approval in Maine. It found that 56% of residents disapprove of his performance, while 42% approve — an 8% drop from February.
Among Republicans, 94% approve of Trump’s performance, compared to 44% of independents and just 1% of Democrats.
On the economy, 64% of Mainers believe a recession is likely within the next year, 7% think the U.S. is already in a recession, and 24% believe a recession is unlikely.
The survey is part of the Pine Tree State Poll, conducted as part of the States of Opinion Project.
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