FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2025
CONTACT: Sue Yacka-Bible, Director of Communications, [email protected]
Transgender Law Center Condemns SCOTUS Opinions in Trump v CASA and Mahmoud v Taylor; Uplifts Kennedy v Braidwood Decision
NATIONAL – Transgender Law Center condemns the two Supreme Court Opinions released today in Trump v CASA and Mahmoud v Taylor for upending longstanding legal processes and limiting the freedom of young people to receive the education they deserve.
“No matter where we come from, our religious beliefs, or our identities, all of us should be treated with the dignity we deserve,” said Shelby Chestnut, Executive Director of Transgender Law Center. “While today’s Supreme Court rulings are disappointing, we know that these decisions are not the beginning or the end of our fight for collective liberation. Our fight for respect and dignity under the law is a familiar one—and one that we will continue working towards together so that current and future generations can thrive.”
In today’s 6-3 decision for Mahmoud v Taylor, the Supreme Court decided that the private religious beliefs of one’s parents can restrict the education of young people and their ability to learn about themselves, their bodies, their peers, and our shared history of struggle for liberation.
The Conservative Justices also issued a 6-3 decision in Trump v CASA, which limits the power of federal courts to issue nationwide injunctions, effectively narrowing the scope of relief for our communities when facing harmful laws and executive orders. This will have a rippling impact on future litigation, placing the burden on individual community members to fight for their rights in the courts.
These decisions, issued on the back of the disappointing ruling in U.S. v Skrmetti last week, underscore the ongoing fight for the freedom to belong and exist as our authentic selves.
“Today’s rulings remind us that there are many challenges ahead to ensure the rights of all people, across race, class, and gender, are fully realized in this country,” said Lynly Egyes, Legal Director at Transgender Law Center. “We remain committed to pursuing all legal strategies, and to showing up for one another in the courts, in state capitols across the country, and in our communities to help create a world where everyone, no matter their background, has a home of safety, care, and belonging.”
“We know that our well-being has never rested in the hands of the government or the courts,” said Mariah Moore, Director of Policy and Programs at Transgender Law Center. “Our communities have a long history of fighting for a world free of discrimination, a society of care and acceptance, and the freedom to take care of our bodies across our lifespan. Today’s rulings only strengthen our resolve and commitment to continue showing up for one another and demanding the freedoms we all deserve.”
We also take a moment to uplift the positive ruling in Kennedy v Braidwood, which maintains access to critical preventative healthcare services, ensuring that all people have the freedom to take care of our own bodies across our lifespan.
“On this National HIV Testing Day, it is a relief to see today’s win for preventative healthcare for our communities,” said Tiommi Luckett, Senior National Organizer at Transgender Law Center. “At Positively Trans, we believe that we can get to no new HIV transmissions in our lifetime. Having protections at the highest court in the nation is a move in the right direction. All of us—Black people, disabled people, and transgender people—deserve full autonomy and access to the treatments we know we need to thrive.”
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