2 weeks Ago
A federal judge on Friday denied a request from Rep. Laurel Libby to immediately restore her speaking and voting rights on the floor of the Maine House of Representatives. Rep.
Laurel Libby, R-Auburn. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal Libby, a Republican from Auburn, was censured by House Democrats in February after she used a Facebook post to criticize a transgender athlete’s win in a high school track championship and used photos of the student without their consent. Libby and six constituents sued House Speaker Ryan Fecteau , D-Biddeford, and asked the court to restore her right to speak and vote while the case plays out.
U.S. District Judge Melissa DuBose denied that request Friday, citing Fecteau’s right to legislative immunity — the legal doctrine that prevents lawmakers from being sued for their legislative acts.
The sanctions will remain in place as the lawsuit plays out. “In short, Speaker Fecteau’s imposition of the sanction..
. is a legislative act that does not, according to binding caselaw and within the context of this censure, qualify for the narrow exception carved out for conduct of an extraordinary character,” DuBose wrote in her order. In a press release Friday afternoon, Libby said she was disappointed by the decision and that it means her constituents will continue to be disenfranchised.
“My constituents deserve a voice, and they deserve leaders who won’t back down when it matters,” Libby said. “This fight is far from over. I will continue to demand my constituents have full representation, speak up for women and girls’ rights and fight back against the radical politicians in Augusta who are putting their ideology ahead of the people they’re supposed to serve.
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