National Black Justice Coalition on the Supreme Court Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade
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National Black Justice Coalition Warns Decision Could Open the Door to Rolling Back Civil Rights, Interracial Marriage, and LGBTQ+/SGL Rights Nationwide
WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, the U.S. Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey through their decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (JWHO).
In reaction to the decision, Victoria Kirby York, deputy executive director at the National Black Justice Coalition, a leading Black LGBTQ+ and same-gender loving civil rights group, issued the following statement:
“The conservative-led Supreme Court decision to invalidate landmark precedent and overturn fundamental federal protections guaranteeing the right to abortion is a fire-alarm threat to the civil rights of all Americans.
“Make no mistake – no person should be forced to become a parent, take on the health and economic challenges of gestation, or give birth when doing so could kill them. We are unequivocally for a pregnant person’s right to choose if, when, where, and how they parent, especially Black people who spent centuries in this country without those rights.
“Constitutional rights should not be played with or taken away. Constitutional rights should only be expanded to ensure everyone has access to the same rights. This decision sets a horrible precedent, not in line with the aspirations of equality that our nation seeks to achieve. Simply put, decisions like today’s narrowing of the 14th amendment’s application puts the right to interracial marriage, marriage equality for LGBTQ+ people, and other civil rights that aim to ensure equal protection under the law on the chopping block.
“The path forward is a path of power. Suppose Congress cannot break the filibuster and pass laws protecting voting rights and access to abortion. In that case, it will be up to the American people in November to ensure that the next Congress has the majorities it needs to do so. We, the people, rule this country – and together – we must vote to protect abortion rights and ensure that the radical conservative majority on the Supreme Court is depowered.”