Maine Legislature Takes Action: Censure Against Rep. Laurel Libby for Highlighting Trans Athlete’s Victory in Girls’ Competition

The Maine House of Representatives voted to censure Rep. Laurel Libby after she shared a social media post about a transgender athlete winning a girls’ pole vault competition. This decision came on Tuesday night, with a close vote of 75-70 led by the House’s Democratic majority. As a result, Libby cannot speak on the house floor or vote unless she apologizes for her post.

In an interview with Fox News after the vote, Libby stated she has no intention of apologizing. “I’m going to keep speaking up for Maine girls,” she said. After the censure was announced, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau suggested a break while Libby thought about her apology, but she refused.

The post that sparked the controversy highlighted a transgender athlete who competed in boys’ events the previous year. Libby argued that her post was merely pointing out a public event where the athlete received a medal meant for female competitors. She noted that there is a double standard because the athlete’s image is widely shared in public settings.

House Majority Leader Matt Moonen criticized Libby, saying she violated the trust given to her as an elected official. “This institution and all of Maine deserve better,” he stated. Conversely, House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham opposed the censure, arguing that the state’s ethics rules don’t cover posts made online.

On the day of the vote, Libby arrived with a seven-page speech about protecting girls’ sports, but encountered interruptions that prevented her from speaking. “I couldn’t get a word in,” she remarked, expressing her disbelief at the lack of opportunity to address the House.

Afterward, Libby shared a video of her intended speech on Facebook.

Libby has plans to regain her speaking and voting rights but hasn’t revealed what those plans are. Meanwhile, without her voice in the House, Republicans and her constituents lose influence on pressing legislative matters, such as mental health support and the biannual budget.

The controversy over the transgender athlete’s inclusion has drawn national attention, especially after Maine declined to follow an executive order from former President Trump banning transgender women from competing in women’s sports. Trump responded by threatening to cut federal funding to Maine. Subsequently, Maine officials hinted at potential legal action against the Trump administration, and the U.S. Department of Education announced an investigation into Maine’s policies.

Given the national discourse, many polls indicate that a significant number of Americans oppose transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. A recent survey revealed that 79% of respondents—including 67% of Democrats—do not support allowing transgender women in girls’ competitions.

Libby believes the backlash against her and the push for trans inclusion reflect a disconnect between lawmakers and the public. “I think Maine Democrats are misjudging this issue,” she said, predicting that they will regret their actions in the long run. She feels supported by her Republican peers as she navigates the censure process.

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