The U.S. Supreme Court restored the voting and speaking rights of Maine Rep. Laurel Libby after she was censured for a Facebook post criticizing a transgender athlete’s participation in a girls’ sports competition.
Libby had refused to apologize, as required by Maine House rules, prompting her suspension. The Court’s majority, including Justice Elena Kagan, ruled in her favor, while Justices Sotomayor and Jackson dissented.
Libby celebrated the decision as a win for free speech and representation. Maine’s attorney general defended the punishment as modest and rule-based.
The case continues in the lower courts, but Libby can now resume her legislative duties.
