Maine House Censures Rep. Laurel Libby for Outing Trans Student Athlete

The Maine House of Representatives voted 75-70 to censure Republican Rep. Laurel Libby for her controversial Facebook post that outed and deadnamed a transgender student athlete. Libby criticized the athlete for competing in girls' sports, claiming it was unfair to biological females. The censure means Libby cannot speak or vote on the House floor unless she apologizes, which she has refused to do, asserting her right to free speech. Democrats condemned her actions as targeting a minor and called for respect towards students, while Republicans expressed their support for Libby, arguing that she is advocating for women's sports. The incident has sparked a statewide debate over the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports and the ethical implications of public discourse involving minors. Following the censure, Libby stated she is exploring her options, believing the censure may be unconstitutional.