LD868 extends the protections of the Maine Civil Rights Act to include actions that cause “emotional distress” or “fear of violence”, allowing the Attorney General to take legal action to safeguard these rights and empowering individuals affected to seek relief through civil actions.
The Maine State Senate passed LD868 on June 12, 2023 by a vote of 23 to 8. We have assigned pluses to the nays because taking legal action against “emotional distress” or “fear of violence” is just another red flag-type law, potentially stripping people’s First Amendment right to free speech. These terms are broad and vague, and interpretation could be subjective.