Federal Court Backs Censure of Maine Rep. Laurel Libby

A federal judge has denied Maine Rep. Laurel Libby's request to lift sanctions imposed after her censure for a social media post that named and criticized a transgender high school athlete, leaving her unable to vote or speak on the House floor unless she apologizes. Libby and several constituents argued the censure violated her constitutional rights, but Judge Melissa DuBose ruled the sanctions were an internal legislative matter and that House Speaker Ryan Fecteau was protected by legislative immunity. The judge determined the censure and accompanying sanctions did not meet the threshold for extraordinary conduct that would override legislative immunity. Libby expressed disappointment and vowed to appeal, stating the decision disenfranchises her constituents and suppresses dissent. The case was moved to Rhode Island after all Maine federal judges recused themselves due to personal connections to the case. Libby remains barred from voting or speaking but can still introduce motions and participate in committees.