Maine Human Rights Act

A federal court ruled that private religious schools in Maine receiving public funds must comply with state antidiscrimination laws prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or religion. The decision upheld a lower court's denial of exemptions for Saint Dominic Academy and Bangor Christian Schools, though it requested reconsideration of provisions related to religious expression.

A federal appeals court ruled that religious schools in Maine cannot be exempt from the state’s nondiscrimination laws, which prohibit discrimination based on faith, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The decision rejected appeals by Bangor Christian Schools and St. Dominic Academy, which argued the law violated their First Amendment rights. The court remanded part of the case regarding religious expression back to a lower court.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows invalidated a ballot initiative restricting transgender students' access to school facilities and sports due to improper signature collection by out-of-state petition circulators. The 'Protect Girls Sports' campaign failed to meet legal requirements, with over 12,000 signatures invalidated after a hearing revealed violations, including unattended petition forms.