Massachusetts Democratic Congressman Seth Moulton defended his comments last week on transgender athletes on Monday (November 11th), emphasizing that the critical responses within the party vindicate his stance.
Moulton appeared on a program on MSNBC last Sunday and said, “I was just speaking as a father, discussing one of many issues truthfully. I believe we are out of touch with most voters on these issues, and I stand by my position.”
“The backlash I received proves my point that as a party, we cannot even have these discussions,” he pointed out.
“We must be able to have these debates,” he added, “but instead, there are factions within our party that shame us, trying to silence those who raise these sensitive topics. Frankly, they are shaming the voters.”
Having won re-election, Moulton publicly stated last Thursday that the Democratic Party’s defeat on election night was due to Democrats unwilling to take action on transgender athletes.
He said, “Democrats spent too much time trying not to offend anyone, rather than honestly addressing the challenges faced by many Americans. I have two young daughters, and I do not want them to be surpassed by male athletes or former male athletes on the sports field, but as a Democrat, I dare not say so.”
However, his comments sparked widespread backlash from local Democrats, who denounced his remarks as despicable.
Moulton’s senior aide subsequently resigned, and the mayor of Salem and the public school committee publicly condemned his statements. However, Moulton stated that he will continue to fight for civil rights.
The Democratic congressman reiterated during an interview on Boston Public Radio on Monday, “If we cannot provide a stronger response, many rights will be threatened. If discussions are not allowed, we cannot have a reasonable position.”