A top aide to U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton has reportedly resigned following comments the Salem Democrat made about transgender athletes. The defection follows criticism from fellow Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates over the congressman's remarks to The New York Times.
Moulton was offering harsh criticism of his own party following Vice President Harris' loss to President-elect Trump on election night.
“Democrats spend way too much time trying not to offend anyone rather than being brutally honest about the challenges many Americans face,” Moulton told the Times. “I have two little girls, I don’t want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete, but as a Democrat I’m supposed to be afraid to say that.”
The quote drew condemnation from Democrats and transgender advocates across the state. Moulton’s own campaign manager, Matt Chilliak, resigned on Friday, according to The Boston Globe. Moulton's office said it would not comment on personnel matters.
“The Massachusetts Democratic Party is proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community, especially our transgender friends, neighbors, and loved ones across the Commonwealth. These comments do not represent the broad view of our Party,” Steve Kerrigan, Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, said in a statement.
The Salem School Committee was swift to denounce Moulton’s remarks.
“We want to reassure our LGBTQ+ students that we as district leaders will always celebrate your identities, support your dreams and aspirations, and applaud your accomplishments,” the committee said in a statement. “Neither fear nor political whim will shake our commitment to you.”
Moulton did not back down from his comments on Friday, saying Democrats lost on Tuesday in part because "we shame and belittle too many opinions held by too many voters and that needs to stop."
"I stand firmly in my belief for the need for competitive women's sports to put limits on the participation of those with the unfair physical advantages that come with being born male," he said. "I am also a strong supporter of the civil rights of all Americans, including transgender rights. I will fight, as I always have, for the rights and safety of all citizens. These two ideas are not mutually exclusive, and we can even disagree on them."
Moulton's comments were viewed by advocates as particularly harmful in light of Trump’s election. The Republican's 2024 platform endorsed a ban on transgender athletes competing in women's sports.
The LGBTQ+ advocacy group Mass Equality took particular issue with Moulton’s use of the phrase “male or formerly male,” saying it contributes to stigmatization of transgender people, particularly women and girls, in sports. The group said it had reached out to Moulton in the hopes of arranging a meeting.
“Our community is deeply hurt by these remarks, which reinforce harmful stereotypes and undermine the dignity of transgender athletes,” said Tanya Neslusan, executive director of Mass Equality, in a statement. “We hope that by engaging with the Congressman, we can work toward a more inclusive and informed understanding of transgender issues in sports.”
By contrast, Massachusetts Republicans applauded Moulton.
“The backlash against Congressman Moulton for making this statement is one reason why Democrats suffered significant losses across the country this election cycle,” MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale said in a statement. “Republicans agree that it’s entirely possible to respect gender preferences while also acknowledging that the physical differences between men and women create distinct risks in sports."
This article was originally published on November 08, 2024.
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Backlash brews over Moulton’s comments on trans athletes
A top aide to U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton has reportedly resigned following comments the Salem Democrat made about transgender athletes. The defection follows criticism from fellow Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates over the congressman's remarks to The New York Times.
Moulton was offering harsh criticism of his own party following Vice President Harris' loss to President-elect Trump on election night.
“Democrats spend way too much time trying not to offend anyone rather than being brutally honest about the challenges many Americans face,” Moulton told the Times. “I have two little girls, I don’t want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete, but as a Democrat I’m supposed to be afraid to say that.”
The quote drew condemnation from Democrats and transgender advocates across the state. Moulton’s own campaign manager, Matt Chilliak, resigned on Friday, according to The Boston Globe. Moulton's office said it would not comment on personnel matters.
“The Massachusetts Democratic Party is proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community, especially our transgender friends, neighbors, and loved ones across the Commonwealth. These comments do not represent the broad view of our Party,” Steve Kerrigan, Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, said in a statement.
The Salem School Committee was swift to denounce Moulton’s remarks.
“We want to reassure our LGBTQ+ students that we as district leaders will always celebrate your identities, support your dreams and aspirations, and applaud your accomplishments,” the committee said in a statement. “Neither fear nor political whim will shake our commitment to you.”
Moulton did not back down from his comments on Friday, saying Democrats lost on Tuesday in part because "we shame and belittle too many opinions held by too many voters and that needs to stop."
"I stand firmly in my belief for the need for competitive women's sports to put limits on the participation of those with the unfair physical advantages that come with being born male," he said. "I am also a strong supporter of the civil rights of all Americans, including transgender rights. I will fight, as I always have, for the rights and safety of all citizens. These two ideas are not mutually exclusive, and we can even disagree on them."
Moulton's comments were viewed by advocates as particularly harmful in light of Trump’s election. The Republican's 2024 platform endorsed a ban on transgender athletes competing in women's sports.
The LGBTQ+ advocacy group Mass Equality took particular issue with Moulton’s use of the phrase “male or formerly male,” saying it contributes to stigmatization of transgender people, particularly women and girls, in sports. The group said it had reached out to Moulton in the hopes of arranging a meeting.
“Our community is deeply hurt by these remarks, which reinforce harmful stereotypes and undermine the dignity of transgender athletes,” said Tanya Neslusan, executive director of Mass Equality, in a statement. “We hope that by engaging with the Congressman, we can work toward a more inclusive and informed understanding of transgender issues in sports.”
By contrast, Massachusetts Republicans applauded Moulton.
“The backlash against Congressman Moulton for making this statement is one reason why Democrats suffered significant losses across the country this election cycle,” MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale said in a statement. “Republicans agree that it’s entirely possible to respect gender preferences while also acknowledging that the physical differences between men and women create distinct risks in sports."
This article was originally published on November 08, 2024.
Amelia Mason is a senior arts and culture reporter and critic for WBUR.
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