The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered Maine’s House of Representatives to restore Representative Laurel Libby’s right to speak and vote on the floor.
The ruling comes after Libby was censured in February for posting the unblurred photo and name of a transgender athlete, claiming the athlete had an unfair advantage.
The House Speaker confirmed they will comply immediately, reinstating her legislative rights.
Libby was barred from the House floor until she apologized, which she refused to do.
The Democratic majority accused her of endangering the athlete’s safety and violating the legislative code of ethics.
Republicans argue that the punishment unfairly silenced the voices of thousands of Libby’s constituents.
Some Republican lawmakers see the Supreme Court’s decision as restoring representation for those voters.
Representative Ken Fredette said removing Libby’s voting rights effectively took away the voice of 7,500 people in her district, calling the Speaker’s actions extraordinary and harsh.
