A former swimmer from Roanoke College is criticizing Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate for governor of Virginia, over her remarks regarding the inclusion of men in women’s sports.
Recently, Spanberger addressed the issue on Fox News, responding to a question posed to her opponent, Virginia Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earl Sears, about whether he would overturn Governor Glenn Youngkin’s executive order that safeguards women’s sports.
Spanberger mentioned, “I believe that decisions should be made within each community by parents and educators. Politicians shouldn’t dictate these choices.” This comment comes amid a broader discussion on the topic.
Earl Sears firmly opposes biological males identifying as “transgender” competing in women’s sports. He asserted that he would not revoke the executive order, emphasizing that girls deserve privacy. He criticized Spanberger for her past votes that he claims support allowing men in women’s private spaces.
Former captain of the Roanoke women’s swimming team, Lily Mullens, responded sharply to Spanberger’s statements during her Fox appearance.
Mullens stated, “Governor Youngkin’s unclear stance on maintaining his policy to protect Virginia girls raises serious doubts about Spanberger’s judgment and integrity. If he can’t openly oppose actions that infringe upon girls’ rights here in Virginia, he shouldn’t hold any office, especially not the governorship.” She accuses Spanberger of catering to what she calls “radical gender” ideology.
She further commented, “Winsome Sears has demonstrated real leadership, showing commitment to safeguarding women and girls, something Ms. Spanberger and her party seem to lack.” Mullens expressed a deep personal connection to the issue, noting the feeling of having women’s rights overlooked by those in authority.
According to the Fox report, Mullens is also taking legal action against a university concerning an incident involving a “transgender swimmer.”
On social media, Earl Sears challenged Spanberger’s lack of response regarding men in women’s private areas, stating, “Surprise: Abigail Spanberger offers a confusing defense of her stance on men using women’s restrooms and potential predators in locker rooms.”
In another post, Earl Sears highlighted a specific case involving a child predator, asserting that Spanberger supports allowing such individuals in women’s spaces.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Spanberger has not retracted her support for Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones, despite receiving unsettling text messages where he seemed to fantasize about violent acts against a Republican congressman.
