Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins has signed a state referendum petition that aims to bar transgender students from playing on sports teams or using bathrooms based on their gender identity.

Collins' decision to sign the petition for the prospective 2026 referendum is consistent with her past statements on the issue. But it's also a departure from her typical reluctance to weigh in on matters affecting state law, including ballot initiatives.

Organizers of the ballot initiative seek to prohibit transgender athletes from participating on girls' sports teams and also from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The proposal requires Maine schools to designate "male" and "female" teams. Students would be required to play on teams that match the gender on their birth certi

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