Rep. Moulton Faces Backlash Over Transgender Sports Comments

Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton has defended controversial remarks about transgender athletes, sparking criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and fellow Democrats.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Rep. Moulton, who represents Massachusetts' 6th congressional district, criticized what he views as the Democratic Party's approach to identity politics.

"Democrats spend way too much time trying not to offend anyone rather than being brutally honest about the challenges many Americans face," Moulton said. "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 congressman's comments prompted swift reaction from local officials and advocacy groups. Salem City Councilor Kyle Davis called for Moulton's resignation in several social media posts. Massachusetts State Democratic Rep. John Moran, who is gay, described Moulton as "weak" in a post on X. The same week, Matt Chilliak resigned, though the reason for his departure remains unclear.

MassEquality challenged Moulton's terminology in a statement, calling his characterization of transgender girls as "male or formerly male" both "harmful and factually inaccurate." The organization has reached out to Moulton's office to arrange what they hope will be "a productive conversation."

When confronted about the controversy by NBC10 Boston's Matt Prichard on Monday, Moulton stood firm. "What I said is consistent with the view of the majority of Americans, but it's shut out of the democratic party debate,"

Prichard pressed Moulton on his previous support for LGBTQ+ rights, including his backing of the Equality Act in 2015: "How should constituents square the difference between that Seth Moulton and the remarks we've heard in the last few days?"

"Exactly the same Seth Moulton," the congressman responded. "Why is it not supportive of people you care about to talk about their issues? I don't understand how on earth that's not supportive."

Bay Windows has extended an invitation to Rep. Moulton to contribute a guest opinion on this matter.

Editor's note: Bay Windows co-publisher Sue O'Connell is a political commentator for NBC10 Boston.