State Senator Shelley B. Mayer's Statement on Supreme Court Rulings

"I am profoundly disappointed, deeply worried, and entirely unsurprised by the Trump-appointed Supreme Court's recent decisions in Trump v. CASA, Medina v. Planned Parenthood Southern Atlantic, and Mahmoud v. Taylor. These decisions reflect a dangerous disregard for the rule of law and civil rights of Americans, and will have serious consequences for our democracy.

"Most troubling, in Trump v. CASA, the Supreme Court took an axe to nationwide injunctions –– which have been a key tool for litigants trying to block illegal and unconstitutional acts by the Trump Administration. Birth right citizenship is unambiguously provided for in the 14th amendment of the US Constitution, but the Court’s decision will allow the Trump Administration’s executive order denying citizenship to certain people born in the US to temporarily go into effect in parts of the country, while litigation continues. This decision will only embolden the Trump Administration to continue taking executive action, without regard for our laws and Constitution.

"The Court’s decision in Medina v. Planned Parenthood only furthers the assault on reproductive healthcare and rights across the country right now. Millions of Americans, particularly low-income women of color, may lose access to vital and potentially lifesaving health care through Planned Parenthood as a result. As we predicted after Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, restriction of reproductive care did not, and will not, stop at abortion care. This is not about reproductive healthcare. This is about controlling women and low-income individuals, and denying them their basic rights and dignity."

"And in Mahmoud v. Taylor, the Court has allowed parents to withdraw their children from class when the reading lessons include LGBTQ+ characters. This ruling undermines the role of public education, to educate students about our diverse society and not to favor any particular faith. It is important for children to be exposed to people of varying beliefs, orientations, and backgrounds to foster empathy and respect for all individuals. I am deeply worried about the implications of this decision for New York State schools which aim to provide an inclusive education to all children.

"Americans should be alarmed by the dangerous and irresponsible disregard for justice shown again and again by the highest court. These three cases will have severe and real effects on the everyday lives of Americans. As we have done in the past, New York will stand by those being disenfranchised. We will not remain silent in the face of injustice."