The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Maine for refusing to comply with a ban on transgender athletes in high school sports, citing a violation of Title IX, the federal law against sex-based discrimination in schools receiving federal aid. This legal action is part of an ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and Maine Governor Janet Mills. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that all other avenues were exhausted before resorting to litigation. The lawsuit argues that the physiological differences between males and females give boys inherent advantages in sports, leading to unfair outcomes for girls in terms of opportunities and recognition.

Maine has faced multiple challenges, including a finding by the US Department of Education that the state violated Title IX by allowing transgender girls to participate in girls’ sports teams. The Justice Department has also withdrawn federal grants from Maine’s department of corrections over a transgender woman’s placement in a women’s correctional facility. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins mentioned pausing some funds for educational programs due to Maine’s alleged non-compliance with Title IX.

Despite these pressures, Maine has stood firm on its policies, with state officials suing to prevent the freezing of federal funds and Governor Mills defiantly responding to threats with a promise to see the administration in court. The Justice Department, in addition to seeking justice for affected young women, is considering retroactively withdrawing funding for past non-compliance. The lawsuit announcement featured Riley Gaines, a former college athlete critical of allowing transgender women in women’s sports, highlighting the ongoing controversy and legal battles surrounding this issue.