The censure of Republican State Representative Laurel Libby over her social media post of a transgender athlete winning a girls’ sports event is drawing national attention.

There’s also been scrutiny on the censure itself, which prevents Libby from speaking or voting on the House floor unless she apologizes.

Democratic House Speaker Ryan Fecteau says the House floor restrictions have been on the books for more than 200 years.

“We looked at the rules from 1820 and the rule is there in 1820 and it has persisted through the legislature through all these years,” said Fecteau.” So, it is a fact that that rule has existed since 1820.”

(Image of Maine House censure provision from Ryan Fecteau)

Fecteau provided WGAN will a copy of the passage from the Maine House rules, which were established in 1820.

There’s been pushback by Republicans, who say there’s no criticism when news outlets publish stories about transgender athletes that include their faces and names.

Fecteau says Libby’s stature makes all the difference.

“The reality is, a lawmaker who holds a position of power, used her official Facebook page for her office as a representative to put a child at the center of a political issue,” Fecteau said.

There have been reports of the transgender athlete and her family receiving various threats from people.

WGAN Morning Show host Matt Gangon pointed out it’s not fair that Libby is being blamed for those threats. “The issue inspires great passion and some very unfortunate people doing unfortunate things,” said Gangon. “Sometimes, I don’t agree that bringing that up and talking about it provides the responsibility on the member (Libby) who did so, unless they said something like, ‘go harass this family’ or ‘these people are terrible.’ I saw the post and she didn’t say that. That’s where I struggle with this.

Fecteau responded by saying, “I think the reality is we’d be having a very different conversation if the students name, school and face were not identified in the post.”