Maine GOP Lawmaker Sues Over Censure

A Lawsuit Over Freedom of Speech

Maine Republican Representative Laurel Libby has filed a lawsuit against the state’s Democratic leadership, claiming that her First Amendment rights were violated after she was censured for a controversial social media post.

A Post Deemed “Reprehensible”

Last month, Libby shared photos of a transgender student-athlete, showing her before and after her transition, while also using her deadname. The athlete had won a girls’ pole vault competition. Her post quickly spread within conservative circles but also sparked widespread criticism, particularly for exposing a minor to online harassment. Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, a Democrat and openly gay lawmaker, asked her to remove the post, but she refused.

A Debate Over Inclusion in Women’s Sports

In an interview with the Portland Press Herald, Libby defended her position, arguing that her post raised a legitimate debate about transgender participation in female sports. “This is an issue that affects all Maine girls who deserve to compete on a level playing field,” she said, claiming that transgender athletes create an unfair disadvantage for cisgender female athletes.

A Close Vote Leads to Censure

In response to her post, the Maine House of Representatives passed a resolution censuring Libby in a narrow party-line vote (75-70). The resolution described her post as “reprehensible” and “incompatible with her duties and responsibilities as a House member.” The censure prevents her from speaking or voting on the House floor, though she could regain these privileges if she issues an apology.

Read also : A UN Rapporteur Supports Donald Trump’s Decree Excluding Transgender Athletes from Women’s Sports

A Legal Challenge Against Censorship

Libby is now suing Ryan Fecteau, arguing that her censure violates her constitutional rights, including those protected by the First Amendment. She also claims it breaches the Equal Protection Clause, the Due Process Clause, and the Guarantee Clause, which ensures all states maintain a “republican form of government.”

Her lawsuit points out that the track meet was a public event, streamed online, and that the names, schools, and photographs of the winners were already publicly available. Therefore, she argues, her post should not have been an issue.

Support from Conservative Circles

Libby’s post was widely shared by figures within the MAGA movement, including former college swimmer and vocal anti-trans activist Riley Gaines. Gaines criticized Maine’s handling of the situation and accused the state of disregarding a Trump-era executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s sports.

A Political Clash Between Trump and Maine’s Governor

Just days after Libby’s post, Donald Trump confronted Maine Governor Janet Mills at a White House governors’ meeting, threatening to cut federal funding over the issue. Mills quickly fired back, saying, “See you in court.”

Trump then responded sharply: “Enjoy your life after governor, because I don’t think you’ll be in elected politics.” Shortly after the exchange, two federal agencies launched investigations into Maine’s alleged non-compliance with Trump’s transgender athlete ban.