A Maine state legislator posted about trans athletes in women’s sports on her Facebook page — then got banned from speaking or voting on the State House floor.
Now she’s suing the House speaker for violating her First Amendment rights.
“It was a bad move politically for the Democrat majority to censure me for speaking up for Maine girls and their right to a fair, safe, and level playing field, especially because 80% of Americans feel as I do,” Rep. Laurel Libby (R-Minot) told The Post.
Laurel Libby says her constituents have been disenfranchised by her censure. AP
It all started on February 17 when Libby, a Republican from Maine’s 64th District, posted a photo of a Maine high school transgender pole vaulter standing on the first-place step of a state championship podium.
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“We’ve learned that just *ONE* year ago John was competing in boy’s pole vault… that’s when he had his 5th place finish,” Libby wrote on her Facebook page. ”Tonight, ‘Katie’ won 1st place in the girls’ Maine State Class B Championship.”
The athlete’s first-place win shot their school’s team to a championship win by a single point.
“I comment about a wide variety of current issues here in Maine, so I did not expect a big issue about it,” Libby said of the post.
“It was a public photo from a public event that an individual chose freely to participate in and step up on a podium during.”
Laurel Libby’s Facebook post drew ire from her Democratic colleagues. Representative Laurel Libby / Facebook
The Democratic House speaker and majority leader in Maine quickly caught wind of the post and demanded she take it down. When she refused, they introduced a motion to censure her, citing the fact that the photographed individual is a minor.
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The resolution, which bars her from speaking on the House floor or voting on legislation until she apologizes, passed along partisan lines in a 75-70 vote.
Libby is banned from speaking or voting on the State House floor until she apologizes for her post. AFP via Getty Images
“We’re getting into really dangerous territory, because speech is not free when a simple majority can silence a member of the minority party,” Libby said.
Her lawsuit alleges the Democratic majority violated Libby’s constitutional rights because the Facebook post is protected by the First Amendment. Free-speech attorney Greg Lukianoff, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, agrees.
“Stripping an elected representative of her right to speak and vote for refusing to delete a lawful Facebook post is a blatant violation of free speech and the First Amendment,” Lukianoff told The Post.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills sparred with President Trump at the White House over transgender athletes. Getty Images
“The Constitution doesn’t grant lawmakers the power to muzzle colleagues for making arguments on one of the hottest topics of the day in a way that they don’t like.”
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The debacle helped ignite a contentious exchange between Maine Gov. Janet Mills and President Trump over transgender athletes in the White House last week.
The administration has cut funding to Maine public universities, as the state continues to defy Trump’s executive order to keep trans athletes out of women’s sports, accusing the state of failure to comply with Title IX.
President Trump signed an executive order barring transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. AP
Meanwhile, Libby says her censure harms the voters who elected her to represent them.
“It’s a silencing of my constituents, and it says your vote doesn’t matter, your voice doesn’t matter, and we don’t think that you deserve representation in the State House,” she said.
She also thinks “100%” the move will cause her colleagues to self-censor for fear of the same retribution.
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Laurel Libby alleges her constitutional rights have been violated by her colleagues who censured her. AP
“If it’s so easy to silence someone who you disagree with on policy, that absolutely shuts down policy debate, because there’s a danger that you can lose your voice and your vote simply by expressing a different opinion,” the lawmaker said.
In a further shock, on Wednesday, all of Maine’s federal judges recused themselves from the case, sending it to the District of Rhode Island. Libby declined to comment about that development.
The defendants have 21 days to respond to Libby’s suit.
Rep. Libby insists that her post was intended to stand up for women and girls. AP
As she awaits their response, she worries what Maine girls will make of the Democrats’ move to silence her.
“It’s a terrible message to send to our young women,” she said. “Our female athletes are already having to compete against biological males, and now they’re being told by this censuring action not to even speak up about it — to sit down and shut up, essentially.”
After Maine’s first Democratic gubernatorial debate, I commented that the candidates seemed to be vying with each other to be agreeable. Would it last? Back then, I thought I’d be happy with any of them as Maine’s next governor.
Not so now, as I observe the cronyism of Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson and Hannah Pingree, whose plan to rank each other when they vote provides a blueprint for gaming the ranked-choice voting system in the primary. The political insiders are forming an alliance against the outsiders, Nirav Shah and Angus King III.
Shah’s campaign responded that it would stay focused on winning voters’ support, a more principled approach, in my estimation.
I prefer a governor who listens and learns from his constituents over one experienced at alliances and deal-making. I want integrity and leadership, not manipulation and exclusion.
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I no longer believe that Bellows, Jackson or Pingree would make a good governor.
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – A Wall Street Journal article reports that Amy Gertner, the wife of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, told campaign aides she found sexually explicit text messages on Platner’s phone after he launched his bid for office last year.
According to the report, Gertner disclosed the messages while aides were conducting opposition research, and she asked a campaign aide to review what Platner had sent—reportedly to several women—to determine whether it could become a liability for his campaign.
The Wall Street Journal reports Gertner believed she was confiding in someone she considered a friend.
The article also states the couple discussed the messages in marriage counseling.
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In a statement from Gertner provided by the Platner campaign, she wrote that they have gone through counseling and that their marriage today “is stronger than ever before.”
Amy Gertner provided a statement through the Platner campaign.
“I confided deeply personal details about my marriage to someone I considered a friend. In the months since, I have had to watch as she spread malicious gossip to anyone who would take her call. I trusted this person with the most private chapter of our lives – the early days of our marriage before any campaign was on our mind – and I am deeply hurt by her betrayal and the invasion of our privacy.
“It is no secret that Graham and I have struggled on our fertility journey. We did the hard work that marriage requires. We went to counseling. We were honest with each other in ways that weren’t easy. And we came through it, not in spite of how much we’ve been through, but because of how much we love each other and the life we’ve built. Our marriage today is stronger than ever before.
“I know who Graham is. I know the man I married and the husband he has been to me on the best and the worst days of my life. That hasn’t changed, and it won’t.” – Amy Gertner
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Platner and Gertner married in 2024, according to the report.
Earlier this year, we asked you, our readers, earlier this year to tell us your favorite places in Maine for budget-friendly feasting. You know where to find bang for your buck — Asian takeout, pizzerias, diners and hole-in-the-wall pubs held heavy sway in your voting, though you named some hip tourist favorites as well. Here are the top 25 our readers loved:
BBQ pork bahn mi at Bahn Appetit on Cumberland Avenue in Portland. (Photo by Meredith Goad)
Vietnamese takeout spot specializing in bahn mi sandwiches. Popular dishes include lemongrass beef bahn mi and bbq pork bahn mi. “It’s just a near perfect bahn mi,” one reader said.
Becky’s Diner in Portland has been a local favorite since 1991. (Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer)
390 Commercial St., Portland. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days. 207-773-7070, beckysdiner.com. No reservations.
Located in the heart of Portland’s working waterfront, Becky’s has been pleasing locals and tourists alike with budget-friendly meals and all-day breakfasts since 1991. Some of the most beloved dishes include blueberry pancakes, corned beef hash, fried clams and lobster rolls.
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Boda restaurant in Longfellow Square, shown in 2016. (Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer)
671 Congress St., Portland. 4-9 p.m., Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday; 4-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-347-7557, bodamaine.com. $9-$28. No reservations.
Boda bills itself as a “very Thai” kitchen and bar. Regulars often choose the Thai sticky rice balls and drunken noodles.
262 Island Ave., Long Island. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days through Labor Day, 207-766-2512, lobakehouse.com. $8-$24. No reservations.
Accessible only by boat, Byers & Sons offers sunset views from their deck on Casco Bay. Popular orders include lobster rolls, buffalo chicken pizza and donuts; don’t miss their Oyster & Champagne weekends with an added raw bar menu. “From Memorial Day to Labor Day it’s THE place to get a great lunch by the ocean, and then after the beach, stop by for a beer or prosecco on tap while you wait for a glorious ferry ride back to town,” one reader gushed.
A family restaurant institution for 19 years, Chick-a-dee offers a variety of local seafood dishes along with sandwiches, steaks, chicken and soups. Bestsellers include fried clams, haddock, seafood scampi and lobster stew.
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Clayton’s Cafe & Bakery on Route 1 in Yarmouth. (Staff photo by Eric Russell)
A homey local staple since 1994, Clayton’s is known for its fresh-baked pastries, sandwiches and seasonal soups. House favorites include the chicken salad and curried chicken salad sandwiches.
Funky lodge-style decor at CBG Bar & Grill, shown in 2020. (Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)
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617 Congress St., Portland. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. seven days. 207-613-9356, cbgportland.com. $11-$20. No reservations.
A hip Portland pub celebrated for its fried snacks, craft cocktails and cheeseburgers. Regulars swear by the fish & chips, smash burger and fried chicken sandwich. “A veggie burger and a beer is under $25, and the vibes never fail,” one reader said. “Local, tastes good, no frills.”
Visitors to the Old Port pass Crispy Gai on Exchange Street in 2025. (Daryn Slover/Staff Photographer)
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90 Exchange St., Portland. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10 p.m., seven days. 207-536-1017, crispygai.com. lunch $9-$21; dinner $9-$25. Reservations only available for groups of 6-10.
This Old Port hotspot specializes in Southeast Asian street food and expertly crafted tropical-inspired cocktails. Must-orders include hat yai fried chicken/wings, crispy deluxe sandwich, pad see ew and Crying Tiger.
Cozy sandwich shop known for its flavorful Belgian-style frites cooked in duckfat. Don’t miss the Duckfat grilled cheese with raclette and cheddar, poutine with duck gravy, milkshakes and donut holes.
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240 US-1, Falmouth. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-536-0771, on Instagram @fuegofalmouth. $8-$27. No reservations.
Casual, kid-friendly Mexican eatery known for its fast, friendly service. Popular orders include uniquely-wrapped chimichangas, coconut shrimp and margaritas. “The smothered burritos are heavenly, ” one reader noted.
Great Lost Bear bartender Tina Hafner pours beer from a large range of taps. (Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer)
This laid-back brewpub is a Portland institution known for its eclectic decor, extensive comfort food menu and wide array of beers on tap. Top-sellers include the pulled pork nachos, cheesesteaks and peanut butter and jelly wings. “Tons of options, all done pretty darn well,” one readers said. “And it’s a piece of Portland history; there aren’t many affordable, family friendly, classic bar/diners like GLB left!”
A busy scene at Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster in South Freeport in 2022. (Jill Brady/Staff Photographer)
36 Main St., South Freeport. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday-Wednesday. 207-865-3535, harraseeketlunchandlobster.com. $8-$37. No reservations.
A family-owned business operating on the South Freeport waterfront since 1970, specializing in fresh local seafood. Seafood baskets are on the more expensive end of their offerings, but sandwiches are value-priced.
72 Maine St., Brunswick. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sunday-Tuesday, Thursday; 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-798-6888, online menu. $5-$25. No reservations.
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Cozy Japanese sushi restaurant with some hot specialty entrees. Customers laud the bento boxes, chicken teriyaki and sushi boats. One customer notes: “The bento box at lunch is full of delicious fish, and other there are other tasty dishes.”
Nikos Waterville House of Pizza, a family-owned staple in town, shown in 2022. (Rich Abrahamson/Staff Photographer)
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145 Main St., Waterville. 10 a.m.-9 p.m, Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday. 207-873-4300, nikoswatervillehouseofpizza.com. $9-$25. No reservations.
This Waterville mainstay has been serving pizza, pasta and subs since 1980. Regulars recommend the meatball subs, Big Mac pizza and steak bombs.
A mashed potato, bacon and scallion slice from Otto in Auburn. (Andree Kehn/Staff Photographer)
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10 locations throughout Maine. Find days/hours of operation of specific locations at ottoportland.com. $10-$28. No reservations.
Portland-based pizza chain known for their creative toppings. Popular pizza orders include the butternut squash, ricotta and cranberry; mashed potato, bacon and scallion; and fresh pineapple, bacon and hot honey. “Top-quality, thin crust pizza,” one reader said. “Try the Mushroom and Manchego option. Great combo and unusual.”
The iconic sign for Pizza by Alex in Biddeford. (Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer)
93 Alfred St., Biddeford. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days. 207-283-0002, pizzabyalexmaine.com. $9-$14. No reservations.
A beloved family-owned Biddeford pizzeria, serving New England Greek-style 10-inch pies topped with cheddar for 66 years. Fan favorites include Alex’s special, Hawaiiand pizza, and Yaya’s Greek, with feta cheese and spinach. “Prices for a personal pizza can’t be beat, and Yaya’s Greek pizza is sooo good,” raves a regular.
Don Camire outside Rapid Ray’s. Camire runs the legendary Saco spot, which his father, Ray, launched 72 years ago. (Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer)
Another York County institution, Rapid Ray’s has been Southern Maine’s hometown go-to for takeout fast food since 1953. Top sellers include the burgers and hot dogs, onion rings, clam cakes and lobster rolls.
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501 Cottage Road, South Portland. Noon-8 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; noon to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-747-4089, rattleshakegrill.com. $10-$24.
Rattle Shake began life as A&C Soda Shop before rebranding last December. Popular orders include the burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, ice cream floats and boozy milkshakes. “Best cheeseburger I’ve ever eaten anywhere,” one reader said.
Joseph Urtuzuastegui, who owns El Corazon with his wife, in the restaurant’s dining room in 2024. (Staff photo by Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer)
190 State St., Portland. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday. 207- 536-1354, elcorazonportland.com. $10-$20. Reservations by phone.
Downtown restaurant serving authentic regional Mexican fare, as well as specialties like goat birria and deviled shrimp. Regulars love the pollo en mole, tamales and fried green tomato tacos.
Ruski’s Tavern, shown in 2022. (Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer)
212 Danforth St., Portland. 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days. 207-774-7604, ruskisportland.com. $8-$22. No reservations.
A landmark dive bar in Portland’s West End dating back to 1892 with a surprisingly expansive menu offering sandwiches, pizza, burgers and dogs, salad and soups, pubby starters and breakfast all day. Popular orders include eggs Benedict, fish & chips and Ruski’s steak bomb.
131 Ossipee Trail W., Standish. 4-8 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday; 11 a.m. -8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-772-0360, sillys.com. $10-$17. No reservations.
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The interior of Silly’s in Standish has the same idiosyncratic charm of the original restaurant in Portland. (Courtesy of Colleen Kelley)
This cherished restaurant operated out of Portland since the 1980s before relocating to Standish last year. The fun and quirky space serves up whimsically named dishes like Empire Strikes mac, a protein-topped mac and cheese, the Stop Bacon Sense BLT wrap, and Gravy Danger fries with gravy, bacon and cheese.
548 Congress St., Portland. 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days. 207-541-9097, tacoescobarr.com. $5-$18. No reservations.
A funky downtown taqueria offering tacos, tortas, enchiladas, burritos and more. Crowd pleasers include the puffy tacos, chipotle sweet potato taquitos and fish tacos.
Renowned for its bountiful all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, Taj also offers a wide selection of tasty Indian fare at budget-friendly price points for lunch and dinner. Fan favorites include the samosas, butter chicken, masala dosa and chicken tikka masala.
782 Forest Ave., Portland. 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days. 207-828-1114, online menu. $9-$21. No reservations.
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Longstanding Vietnamese restaurant near Woodfords Corner offering a variety of pho, vermicelli dishes, fried rice and other hot entrees, as well as pan-Asian selections like pad Thai and lo mein. Regulars swear by the rare beef salad, beef pho and stir-fried chicken with Chinese broccoli.
Tomaso’s Canteen in Portland, shown in 2023. (Sofia Aldinio/Staff Photographer)
A friendly, no-frills neighborhood bar in the East End, Tomaso’s serves up a menu of pub grub classics like wings, burgers, dogs, chicken sandwiches and their house special sausages. Fan faves include loaded Dump Truck Fries, mac & cheese and The Costanza reuben.
