Can I collect gender information from participants in Maine? What are the requirements?

Based on the documents provided, collecting gender information from participants in Maine is not explicitly prohibited. However, it is important to note that the Maine Human Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of genetic information or genetic testing ^[4.1]. Additionally, the Maine Statewide Longitudinal Data System may not make public any information that could identify an individual or the individual’s employer ^[3.1].

If you plan to collect gender information, you must ensure that it is done in a manner that protects personal privacy and the integrity of the work ^[1.1]. It is also important to comply with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) when managing education records ^[3.1].

Furthermore, according to MERS Section 2765, the state registrar shall establish a new certificate of birth for a person born in Maine when the registrar receives an application for gender marker change ^[2.1]. This suggests that gender information is recognized and recorded in Maine’s vital records system.

Overall, while collecting gender information is not explicitly prohibited, it is important to ensure that it is done in a manner that protects personal privacy, complies with relevant laws and regulations, and is consistent with best practices for data collection and management.

Source(s):

• [1.1] Maine Information and Analysis Center annual reporting requirement
• [2.1] New certificate of birth following adoption, legitimation or gender marker change
• [3.1] Maine Statewide Longitudinal Data System
• [4.1] Employment discrimination on the basis of genetic information or genetic testing

Jurisdiction

Maine

• Privacy