SALEM — U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton recently stirred up controversy within the community after making anti-transgender comments regarding their role in youth sports teams.

Moulton allegedly confided in a New York Times reporter prior to the Tuesday night election, saying, “I have two little girls. I don’t want them getting run over on the playing field by a male or formerly male athlete. But as a Democrat, I’m supposed to be afraid to say that.”

The comments brought a wave of outrage both across the community and online, riding the coattails of Moulton’s victory in the 6^th Congressional District. Moulton ran unopposed.

He also reportedly added that, besides his opinion that the Democratic party is currently out of touch with its people, democrats need to “do less preaching and more listening.”

“The congressman’s remarks were both harmful and factually inaccurate. These statements contribute to the ongoing stigmatization of transgender people, especially transgender women and girls, in sports,” said Mass Equality, a grassroots advocacy organization, who released a statement in response to Moulton’s comments.

“Our community is deeply hurt by these remarks, which reinforce harmful stereotypes and undermine the dignity of transgender athletes,” added Executive Director of Mass Equality, Tanya Neslusan.

Neslusan claimed that the organization has attempted to reach out to Moulton to address the issue. The hope is that by creating an effective dialogue, they can reach a more inclusive understanding in regards to the stigmatization of transgender athletes.

Moulton’s comments were later rejected in a joint statement by both Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the School Committee. “The Salem School Committee and district leaders denounce, in the strongest terms possible, the comments made by Congressman Seth Moulton regarding children’s athletic participation. The comments, with respect to trans and non-binary children do not reflect our values.”

“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. Neither fear nor political whim will shake our commitment to you,” the statement concluded.