Supreme Court Temporarily Restores Maine Lawmaker's Rights

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 7-2 emergency order temporarily restoring Maine Republican Rep. Laurel Libby's voting and speaking rights in the state House after she was censured and barred from legislative duties for posting a transgender student athlete's name and photo online. Libby had posted the information to protest policies allowing transgender girls to participate in girls' sports, leading the Democrat-controlled House to demand an apology or maintain the sanctions. Lower courts had declined to intervene, but Libby argued the punishment violated her First Amendment rights and her constituents' right to representation. The Supreme Court majority did not offer a detailed explanation for their decision, in line with emergency docket procedures. Justices Sotomayor and Jackson dissented, questioning if the case required immediate Supreme Court action. The case continues to spotlight debates over free speech, legislative discipline, and transgender athlete participation.