Women Undress in Maine School Board Meeting to Protest Trans Policies
UPDATE: A shocking protest unfolded at a school board meeting in Augusta, Maine, on September 27, 2023, as two women undressed in a dramatic demonstration against policies that allow transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports. This act, which has garnered widespread attention, highlights the escalating conflict surrounding trans athletes in the state.
As local parent Nick Blanchard delivered a passionate speech condemning current policies, the protest unfolded behind him. Blanchard criticized the school board for enforcing regulations perceived to undermine the safety and comfort of young girls in sports. “You feel uncomfortable? Because that’s what these young girls feel like when a boy walks into their locker room and starts changing in front of them,” he declared, emphasizing the emotional impact of the issue.
The protest comes amid a growing trend of similar demonstrations across the country. Earlier this month, in California, women’s rights activist Beth Bourne undressed at a school board meeting, protesting against policies that allow biological males in girls’ locker rooms. Both states are currently facing lawsuits from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding their policies on transgender athletes.
In Maine, the conflict escalates as multiple school districts, including the RSU 24 School Board, have passed resolutions to align with President Donald Trump‘s “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order. At a recent meeting, Republican gubernatorial candidate David Jones expressed his support for the resolution, stating, “Biology doesn’t lie. Let’s do what we need to do to protect every single girl in the state of Maine.”
The stakes are high as Maine has allowed trans athletes to compete with girls since 2005, following the Maine Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. However, resistance is growing among residents, with a recent survey by the American Parents Coalition revealing that 63% of registered Maine voters believe school sports participation should be based on biological sex. Furthermore, 60% support a ballot measure restricting participation in women’s and girls’ sports to biological females, indicating a significant divide in public opinion.
The Maine Principals’ Association updated its policies in 2024 to explicitly allow transgender students to compete on teams aligning with their gender identity. However, the state’s Democratic leadership, led by Governor Janet Mills, continues to support the rights of trans athletes, sparking protests and counter-movements across the state.
As the debate intensifies, residents are urged to voice their opinions, and the outcome of these ongoing conflicts could shape the future landscape of sports in Maine. Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.
