New England Briefs

Maine transgender sports initiative qualifies for ballot

A proposed ballot initiative that would restrict transgender girls from participating on girls' school sports teams in Maine has qualified for consideration under the state's citizen initiative process.

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said election officials verified more than 70,000 petition signatures — exceeding the roughly 67,000 valid signatures required to advance the proposal, according to reporting by Maine Public.

Under Maine law, the Legislature can either enact the measure directly or send it to voters statewide in November 2026. Supporters say the proposal would protect fairness in girls' athletics, while LGBTQ+ advocates argue it would harm transgender students and conflict with protections under the Maine Human Rights Act, Maine Public reported.

A group of Maine voters has filed a lawsuit challenging the petition drive behind the proposed transgender sports initiative.

The lawsuit alleges problems with the signature-gathering process and asks the court to invalidate the effort before it can move forward, according to WMTW-TV in Portland.

State election officials previously determined that 71,033 signatures were valid — above the threshold required for a citizen initiative to advance, WMTW reported.

Transgender policy debate continues in New Hampshire Legislature

New Hampshire lawmakers continue to debate legislation affecting transgender rights, including proposals related to restroom access and state nondiscrimination law.

Several bills addressing gender identity were considered earlier this year by the House Judiciary Committee. One proposal that would have removed gender identity from parts of the state's anti-discrimination law was rejected, while two bills addressing bathroom access advanced for further consideration, according to New Hampshire Public Radio.

The legislative debate follows Gov. Kelly Ayotte's veto of a similar bathroom bill earlier this year. Ayotte said the legislation was not the right approach, New Hampshire Public Radio reported.

Boston charter school students create visible LGBTQ+ safe space

Students at Boston Green Academy have been creating artwork and rainbow-flag displays as part of an effort to build a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ classmates.

Members of the school's Art Love club have painted murals and posted affirming messages around the building, saying the effort helps signal that LGBTQ+ students have support within the school community, according to WBUR.

Students told WBUR the displays are particularly meaningful at a time when LGBTQ+ issues are increasingly part of national political debate.

Winooski elects Vermont's first Black, openly gay mayor

Winooski, Vermont, has elected Thomas Renner as mayor, making him the city's first Black and openly gay mayor.

Renner, who previously served on the city council, said he hopes to focus on housing, immigration issues and community engagement in the diverse city just outside Burlington, according to VTDigger.

Renner told VTDigger that Winooski's immigrant communities face growing anxiety in the current political climate and said city leadership must ensure residents feel supported.