Republican Lawmaker Seeks Supreme Court Intervention After Censure
CNN — Maine state lawmaker Laurel Libby is turning to the US Supreme Court for emergency relief to ensure her votes are counted in the upcoming legislative session. This follows her censure by the state’s Democratic-controlled house for expressing opposition to transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports.
Libby’s attorneys filed an application with the high court on Monday, claiming the censure, imposed in March after a controversial post on social media, infringes on her ability to represent her constituents. The Maine House Speaker, Ryan Fecteau, has barred Libby from participating in debates or voting until she publicly rescinds her statements.
Describing the situation as a violation of constitutional rights, Libby’s legal team argued that denying her vote effectively disenfranchises her constituents, stating, “The member’s vote is not her own; it belongs to her district.” The case has garnered significant attention, particularly after Libby highlighted a recent incident where a transgender girl, who had competed as a boy the previous year, won a championship in girls’ pole vaulting at a high school event.
Libby has been vocal in her opposition to the participation of transgender athletes in girls’ sports, and her social media post, which included detailed criticisms and images of the involved athletes, drew national scrutiny. She aims for a Supreme Court response by May 6, coinciding with the next session of the Maine House, where she would be the only legislator unable to vote.
The application highlights an unprecedented situation in Maine’s legislative history, noting that while a few legislators have faced censure, none have been prohibited from voting as a punishment. The lower courts, including the 1st US Circuit Court of Appeals, have so far denied her requests.
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