Gov. Janet Mills may wish to pick her battles more carefully. Her determination to include male athletes (those who are born male and later opt for a female identity) in female sports is questionable. She risks the chance of female injuries, perhaps seriously, during contact sports.

Nationwide, these injuries have done lifelong harm from competitors with male genetics and having the greater strength and power. There is a grave danger when this imbalance occurs during co-ed competition. Contact sports are a prime example of this danger, but more subtle harm is still possible in non-contact athletic situations.

Including male bodies in female sports is not popular nationwide among voters. I believe Mainers choose dignity for their fellow citizens but temper it with restraint and concern for the smaller female competitors.

Martha LaRiviere
Waterboro