Maine Democrats want to put tampons in boys’ bathrooms
Democrats in Maine are currently advocating for a bill that would mandate all public schools to supply tampons in boys’ bathrooms, beginning in middle school. This proposal comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports in the state.
LD 155, introduced by state Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, aims to compel all public schools serving grades 6–12 to provide tampons and sanitary pads in all student bathrooms, including those designated for males. The bill is part of a broader discussion on the inclusion of transgender athletes in high school sports.
State Rep. Rachel Henderson, R-Rumford, criticized the Democratic lawmakers for prioritizing this initiative over critical budget issues. She highlighted a recent instance where Democrats bypassed Republican authority to pass a bill without a two-thirds majority, delaying essential funds for Maine’s Medicaid program.
Assistant House Minority Leader Katrina Smith, R–Palermo, echoed these sentiments, accusing Democrats of disregarding taxpayer concerns in their pursuit of legislative goals. With control over both legislative chambers and the governor’s office, Democrats in Maine are perceived as pushing through policies at the expense of the public.
The state has been at the forefront of contentious debates on transgender athlete participation, with GOP state Rep. Laurel Libby facing censure for opposing state leaders’ decision to defy President Donald Trump’s executive order on the matter. Governor Janet Mills has also supported challenging the executive order, indicating a willingness to contest the issue in court.
Despite these developments, Cloutier did not respond to requests for comment on the tampon provision bill for boys’ bathrooms. The proposed legislation reflects ongoing tensions within Maine’s political landscape, where social issues intersect with governance priorities.
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