I am writing in support of Rep. Laurel Libby. Laurel represents District 90, Minot and parts of Auburn. Being a proponent of safety and fairness in girls’ sports, Libby came out against the recent loss in a girls’ state pole-vaulting contest to a person who is genetically a male, but supposedly now identifies as a female. Libby pointed out that the last time this individual competed in pole vaulting, it was as a male. They lost to another male.

The House leader, Ryan Fecteau, took exception to Libby’s remarks in the media. He called Libby to the front of the Legislature and berated her, not allowing her to make a statement of her reasons for bringing this situation to the forefront. She was censured from voting or even speaking before the House until she “apologized” for what she said.

Apologize for telling the truth. Apologize for expressing the facts of the case. Not only is Laurel Libby censured, but all her constituents are censured. Censured from a voice, a vote, in how their state is run, how their girls are discriminated against, how their money is spent.

It is unconscionable that this is happening in the United States of America. Just steps away from our First Amendment Museum, next to the Blaine House. So near to the halls of justice and laws for our state. What “justice and laws” for the people of Auburn and Minot? What “justice and laws” for Laurel Libby? Speak out to your legislator to glean justice for all of Maine’s girls. The justice to compete against other genetic females, not genetic males.

Keep our halls of justice and our courts of athletic contests safe for our girls.

Diane Vernesoni

Topsham