A prominent Democratic representative's controversial remarks about transgender athletes have ignited a fierce response from his constituents and party allies.
According to Fox News, Rep. Seth Moulton's recent statements opposing transgender athletes in women's sports have sparked plans for a pro-trans rights rally outside his office in Salem, Massachusetts.
Salem City Councilor Kyle Davis is collaborating with local LGBT organizations and community leaders to organize the demonstration. The rally aims to show solidarity with the transgender community while expressing disagreement with Moulton's position, which has created significant discord within the Democratic Party.
Moulton's comments appeared in a New York Times article following President-elect Trump's victory, where he criticized his party's approach to transgender inclusion in sports. The Massachusetts representative, who has two daughters, defended his stance despite facing intense criticism from fellow Democrats.
Davis posted on X, calling for Moulton's resignation rather than an apology. The controversy has attracted responses from several prominent Democratic figures, including Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, who expressed strong opposition to Moulton's position during a CNN appearance.
Massachusetts state legislators have also joined the criticism, with state Rep. Manny Cruz characterizing Moulton's stance as betrayal and state Sen. Jamie Eldridge warning other Democrats against following Moulton's example.
The controversy has extended beyond political circles, affecting Moulton's relationships with educational institutions. A source revealed to Fox News Digital that Tufts University decided to end its internship program with Moulton's office, though the university later denied making such changes.
Moulton addressed these developments during an appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe." The representative defended his position and criticized what he viewed as cancel culture. Kyle Davis had this to say about the planned rally:
In the wake of Trump's election and Seth Moulton's recent transphobic comments, I am working with local LGBT organizations and local leaders on a large rally in Salem outside of Moulton's office. This rally is meant to express first and foremost to the trans community that we stand in solidarity with them but also to communicate to Seth Moulton that we do not agree with his stance and his willingness to throw this community under the bus.
The controversy reflects a broader debate within the Democratic Party, as several representatives have recently modified their positions on transgender athletes in women's sports. This includes Texas Representatives Colin Allred and Vicente Gonzalez, as well as Alaska Representative Mary Peltola.
Recent polling data has revealed significant public sentiment on the issue. A survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago found that 65% of respondents believe transgender athletes should rarely or never be allowed to participate in sports leagues matching their gender identity rather than biological sex.
The debate has attracted attention from various political figures, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who criticized the Green Party presidential ticket for similar stances on transgender athletes. The issue continues to be a point of contention in national political discourse.
Representative Seth Moulton's comments about transgender athletes in women's sports have created significant tension within the Democratic Party and his hometown of Salem, Massachusetts. Local leaders and LGBT organizations are organizing a rally to express their opposition to his stance and show support for the transgender community.
The controversy has sparked broader discussions about political representation, party unity, and the role of educational institutions in political discourse. As the planned rally approaches, the debate continues to highlight the complex intersection of sports policy, civil rights, and political leadership in contemporary American society.
