Maine Lawmaker Sues House Speaker Over Censure Following Social Media Post

Rep. Laurel Libby argues her constitutional rights were violated after being barred from voting and speaking for criticizing transgender participation in girls' sports.

Rep. Laurel Libby, a Republican from Auburn, filed a federal lawsuit against Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau after being censured for a Facebook post criticizing transgender athletes in girls' sports.
The censure, approved along party lines, prevents Libby from voting or speaking on the House floor unless she apologizes, which she has refused to do.
Libby claims the censure violates her First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, as well as her constituents' right to representation in the Legislature.
Democrats argue the censure was justified due to Libby posting a photo of a transgender minor without consent, raising concerns about the student's safety and well-being.
Legal experts suggest the case could hinge on whether the censure infringes on free speech protections, with parallels drawn to prior Supreme Court rulings on legislative speech rights.

Portland Press Herald

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