For Immediate Release June 30th, 2023
Contact: Michelle Slaybaugh mslaybaugh@siecus.org

SIECUS Strongly Condemns the Supreme Court Decisions Rolling Back Civil Liberties

WASHINGTON – Today, the conservative ideological majority on the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis based on a hypothetical situation that goes against civil protections and paves the way for discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals.

This decision starkly contradicts the fundamental principles of equality and the safeguarding of marginalized communities. Further, it perpetuates the Court’s ongoing erosion of civil rights and liberties.

In the words of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, “Today, the Court, for the first time in its history, grants a business open to the public a constitutional right to refuse to serve members of a protected class.” In other words, this decision supports and permits open discrimination.

Christine Soyong Harley, President & CEO of SIECUS, gave the following statement:

“The conservative Justices of the Supreme Court have displayed a flagrant disregard for civil rights by prioritizing their own prejudicial personal beliefs over a Colorado state law designed to prevent discrimination. It is hypocritical that a Court that often emphasizes the importance of state rights would dismiss policies aimed at protecting the public from discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.

“Ensuring equal treatment, fairness, and inclusivity is essential for upholding a just society where every individual is respected and safeguarded. SIECUS remains steadfast in our advocacy for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws that uphold the rights and dignity of all people.

“The fight doesn’t begin nor end at the Supreme Court. As a nation, we have a collective responsibility to engage at every level, from local school board battles to state legislation to the ballot box in November. It is our duty to advocate tirelessly and take meaningful action to safeguard the rights of all individuals. SIECUS calls upon both voters and legislators to actively rally behind initiatives that promote and nurture an inclusive society grounded in respect rather than bigotry.”

###

SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change has served as a leading national voice for sex education since 1964, asserting that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one worthy of dignity and respect. Through advocacy, policy and coalition building, SIECUS advances sex education as a vehicle for social change—where all people receive sex education, are affirmed in their identities, and have power to make decisions about their own health, pleasure, and wholeness.