Maine Rep. Laurel Libby Sues House Speaker Over Censure Following Post on Transgender Athlete

Libby claims her First Amendment rights were violated after being barred from speaking or voting in the Maine House for posting about a transgender athlete's participation in girls' sports.

Maine State Rep. Laurel Libby was censured by the Maine House of Representatives after posting photos and comments on Facebook about a transgender athlete winning a girls' pole vault championship.
The censure, passed narrowly along party lines, prohibits Libby from speaking or voting in the House until she issues an apology, which she has refused to do.
Libby has filed a federal lawsuit against House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, alleging the censure violates her First Amendment rights, equal protection rights, and her constituents' right to representation.
Fecteau defended the censure, citing privacy concerns for minors and arguing that Libby’s actions violated the legislative code of ethics by sharing images without consent.
The case has drawn national attention, with Libby framing the issue as a fight for fairness in girls' sports, while critics argue her actions endangered the privacy and safety of the student involved.

Portland Press Herald