News

Parents Speak Out Against Trans Student on Basketball Team.

Select Board and town members during Tuesday's meeting. Photo: YouTube/Credit: YouTube Still.


During a meeting of the St George Select board on Tuesday, the parents of a town on the mid-coast spoke out against a transgender student on the basketball team.

The Bangor Daily News reports parents in the town of St. George are protesting against the decision to allow a transgender girl to play on the girls third-fourth grade basketball team.

Local Parent Emily Chadwick brought up a letter that spoke on behalf of “a couple parents,” suggesting the town’s parks and rec department carefully considers what kind of impact this decision can have.

“We do not feel comfortable having our daughters participate under the current structure,” said Chadwick reading from the letter. This is not a decision made out of anger or disrespect for anyone, but out of love and protection for our child’s well-being.”

Select Board Member Steven Cartwright said the purpose of the meeting was to allow the parents to voice their opinions but was worrisome about the potential trauma that could be caused to the child.

“I hope people will be kind, civil, and open-minded at this meeting and that we can value all members of this community especially children,” said Cartwright.

St. George is the latest of Maine communities to be involved in the debate about the fairness of allowing trans girls to play on sports teams that align with their identity.

The Select Board will address the concerns in a special meeting on Monday.

Latest Headlines

4 days ago in Entertainment

‘Rush Hour 4’ will be distributed by Paramount after Trump’s reported request

After President Donald Trump's reported intervention, Paramount Pictures is set to distribute Brett Ratner's "Rush Hour 4," a project that Hollywood had eschewed after earlier sexual misconduct allegations against the director.

4 days ago in National, Trending

Trump spares turkeys — but not his political opponents — at annual pardoning ceremony

President Donald Trump didn't bring much holiday cheer Tuesday when bestowing ceremonial pardons on two Thanksgiving turkeys, dispensing more insults than goodwill at the traditional White House ritual.

4 days ago in Entertainment

How Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal found the emotional power of ‘Hamnet’

In "Hamnet," Chloé Zhao's adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's prizewinning 2020 novel, Paul Mescal plays William Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley his wife, Agnes. It's a fictional, speculative drama with basis in historical fact.

4 days ago in Lifestyle, Trending

What’s open on Thanksgiving? Not much, as many stores rest — or prepare — ahead of Black Friday

With Thanksgiving and the formal launch of the holiday shopping season this week, Americans will again gather for Turkey Day meals before knocking off items on their Christmas gift lists.

4 days ago in Sports, Trending

Under a cloud, the Olympic flame begins its journey to the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

The Olympic flame began its journey Wednesday to the Milan Cortina Winter Games — missing a little of its usual magic. Bad weather lashing western Greece forced organizers to move the torch-lighting ceremony indoors, from Olympia's ancient stadium and temples to a nearby museum.