Maine Democrats Restore State Rep. Laurel Libby Voting Speaking Rights

Maine state representative Laurel Libby has had her full voting and speaking rights restored by the Maine House after being censured in February for social media posts identifying a transgender high school athlete. The censure, which barred her from both voting and speaking on the House floor, was reversed after a 115-16 House vote on the final day of the legislative session, following mounting legal pressure and a favorable U.S. Supreme Court ruling that previously reinstated her voting rights. Libby, who never apologized for her stance against biological males competing in girls' sports, framed the reversal as a victory for free speech and representative government, asserting that Mainers and Americans oppose allowing transgender athletes in girls' sports. The restoration of her rights was seen by Libby and supporters as a response to public and legal opposition to the initial censure. Libby marked her return by delivering a 22-minute speech on the House floor and emphasized the importance of constitutional protections for elected representatives. The incident highlights ongoing national debates over transgender participation in sports and legislative free speech.