News

AG Files To Have Lawsuit Against House Speaker Fecteau Dismissed

AG Files To Have Lawsuit Against House Speaker Fecteau Dismissed

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


Maine Democratic House Speaker Ryan Fecteau is asking a court to dismiss a lawsuit against him by Republican Representative Laurel Libby.

Libby sued Fecteau last month over her censure by the House, saying the move violated her constitutional rights by blocking her from voting or speaking on the floor.

State Attorney General Aaron Frey has submitted a request on behalf of Fecteau to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing that the House has immunity for its legislative activities and has the power to punish one of its members.

The document also claims that the censure did not violate Libby’s First Amendment free speech rights.

The Democratic majority voted to censure Libby after her social media post of a transgender athlete who won a girls’ sports event. Fecteau said the censure would be removed if the Libby apologized, which she has declined to do.

Attorney General Frey’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit against Fecteau was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court for Maine.

The motion was followed Wednesday by affidavits from six resident who live in Libby’s district supporting her lawsuit.

All of Maine’s federal judges recused themselves from the case, reportedly because the transgender athlete in Libby’s social media post has a parent who works for the federal court system.

The case was then assigned to U.S. District Judge Melissa DuBose of Rhode Island, who was appointed by former Democratic President Joe Biden.

Latest Headlines

19 hours ago in Local

Final Maine Fall Foliage Report Released

State fall foliage spokesperson Gale Ross has declared it "Maine's Weekend"

20 hours ago in Local

Mills Reports $1 Million Early Take, Platner $500k in Same Period

The Mills campaign claims almost all its donations were $100 or less.

21 hours ago in Local

Man charged with kidnapping after missing Pownal teen is found safe

Cumberland County deputies say an extensive investigation led them to an apartment on Brighton Avenue

22 hours ago in Local

Lawmakers call for review after foster teen accused of killing 2 in Chelsea

Maine lawmakers have ordered a review after a teenager in foster care allegedly murdered two people he was living with in Chelsea.

22 hours ago in Local

Former Lewiston police chief tapped to serve as U.S. Marshal

Former Lewiston Police Chief David St. Pierre has been nominated to serve as the U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine.