Dear Editor:

LD868, An Act to Ensure Equity and Safety in Athletics, Restrooms, Changing Rooms and Housing at Elementary, Secondary and Post-secondary Schools, requires that athletic teams or sports that are sponsored by public schools be designated as male, female or coed. It prohibits students who are male from participating in an athletic team or sport designated as a female team or sport. It requires public schools, to designate restrooms, changing rooms and sleeping quarters as for use by either only females or only males with limited exceptions. It provides that an individual may have a private cause of action against a public school, or athletic association or organization under certain circumstances. 

Lucy Cheney, a sophomore at Presque Isle High School. testified on May 8, 2025, "The playing field has become no longer level. Our efforts should be measured against others who share our same starting line. The future that sports has promised us is lost when unfairness comes into the picture."

Tim Collins, Lyman, testified on May 8, 2025, "The revised Maine Human Rights Act, amended under Democratic leadership, has led to widespread issues across various sectors in the state. Policies allowing male students to use facilities and participate in sports aligned with their gender identity, rather than biological sex, have created significant challenges in schools and other settings, raising concerns about fairness, privacy, and safety."

Brad Farrin, Senate District 3, testified on May 8, 2025, "... girls shouldn’t be forced to compete against biological males. ... It’s about protecting the integrity of girls’ sports and the opportunities they’ve worked so hard for. ... They shouldn’t be put in uncomfortable or awkward situations where they’re expected to share intimate spaces with the opposite sex. .... That’s basic decency and respect."

On the House floor, the Majority Motion, that this bill "OUGHT NOT TO PASS", prevailed with House Roll Call 490, on June 13, 2025, Yea: 72, Nay: 71, Absent: 6, Excused: 2.

Wayne Farrin, District 47 Representative, who voted YEA, voted with the Democrat majority against fair competition in girls sports and private female facilities.

Edward J. Polewarczyk

Wiscasset