Maine House Restores Laurel Libby’s Speaking Privileges Just Before Adjournment

After months of persecution, Maine state Rep. Laurel Libby, a Republican, had her legislative rights fully restored at the end of the state’s legislative session. In a 115-16 vote, the Maine House, in which Democrats hold a slim majority, voted to restore Libby’s voting and speaking privileges, but not to revoke the resolution of censure against her.

Maine House Democrats censured Libby in February after she spoke out against males competing in female sports by sharing side-by-side photos of the same student athlete competing against males one year and against females the next year. “This is an example of raw political power, one party exerting control over another … and not letting one of the minority members speak,” said Republican state Rep. Joseph Underwood.

The Maine House voted to remove Libby’s right to speak and vote after she refused to apologize, thus disenfranchising the Mainers in her district. “I have never apologized, and never will apologize, for speaking up in defense of Maine girls and their right to a fair, safe, and level playing field,” Libby said.

Libby challenged her disenfranchisement in court, and in May, the U.S. Supreme Court, on a temporary basis, restored her right to vote in a 7-2 decision.

But the full restoration of her voting and speaking rights, in a motion by Maine House Assistant Majority Leader Lori Gramlich, a Democrat, came unexpectedly. “It was a surprise, it was our 33rd supplement of the day and within minutes it was on the floor,” related Libby.

Soon afterward, the Maine Legislature—which was already holding a special session—adjourned sine die (that is, adjourned for good) at 5:31 p.m. Libby’s right to speak was restored when there was no longer an opportunity for her to use it.

While no reason was given for the surprise resolution, Libby suspected it had to do with the success of her lawsuit. “The Democrats caved because they knew they were losing in court,” she declared. “They’ve now been forced to admit what the Constitution has said all along: Elected representatives cannot be silenced for speaking the truth.”

“From Day One, this was a blatant violation of the Constitution. Today’s reversal is proof that the people of Maine still have the power to hold their government accountable—and that no majority, however politically motivated, is above the Constitution,” Libby added. “This is a victory not just for me—but for every Mainer who believes in the rule of law, the First Amendment, and the right to be represented in their government.”

Libby plans to press forward with her lawsuit “to ensure lasting protections are established for her and all constituents whose representative dares to dissent from the political majority,” she said in a press release.

Originally published by The Washington Stand

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