Overview

• 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.