I stand with Rep. Laurel Libby. I stand with freedom of speech. I also stand with female athletes.

I was born in Maine and have resided here for most of my life. Most of my family lives here and always has. I have three young athletes, as well as nieces and nephews who play sports. My family is heavily involved in sports and always has been. I competed in youth sports my entire childhood.

We believe strongly in a fair and level playing field for girls to compete. Title IX gives girls the right to do this and when that right was stripped away we needed to speak up. Why has it taken so long? I’m sorry to say that transgender children should have never been allowed to compete in girls’ sports. If we need to rewrite the sports to be XX and XY sports, so be it.

Today, I plead for the people of Maine to hear me; hear my family and hear the cries of all young female athletes. I want our legislators and governing officials and the news media to know that we aren’t willing to be silent on this matter anymore. We won’t allow censorship either. Let’s make Maine a state to be proud of again.

Susan Baker
Gray