SCOTUS Ruling in US v Skrmetti Helps Christian Nationalists Discriminate Against Trans Kids and Their Families

WASHINGTON, DC – Interfaith Alliance, a national leader in defending religious freedom and multi-faith democracy, is deeply disturbed by the Supreme Court’s ruling today in the case of US v Skrmetti, which clearly discriminates against the rights of trans kids and their families to make decisions about their own care. 

The case focused on a Tennessee law that could affect access to transition-related care nationwide for both minors and adults for decades to come. By upholding the lower court’s ruling, the Supreme Court has set a precedent for states to bar puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery for trans minors. As Justice Sotomayor wrote in her dissent, “the Court abandons transgender children and their families to political whims.”

“In this case, the Court has allowed Christian nationalists to use their narrow religious worldview as an excuse to suppress the health care rights of trans kids and families,” said Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. “It’s deeply wrong for the government to insert itself into medical decisions best handled by families and their doctors. Interfaith Alliance and our partners are proud to mobilize Americans of diverse faiths and beliefs who know that true religious freedom goes hand-in-hand with the freedom of all people to control their own lives, bodies, and best interests.” 

Tennessee’s discriminatory law is part of the Christian nationalist agenda, which uses government coercion to strip away the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans. Regardless of this decision, Interfaith Alliance will continue to advance a vision of our country where religion is used to uplift people rather than to suppress their rights and crush their individuality and diversity. The organization this month has spearheaded the Recommit to Pride campaign, mobilizing faith leaders and thousands of Americans pledge to speak out with public prayers, bold statements, and visible acts of support for the LGBTQ+ community.

“In the face of the immoral targeting of trans youth for political gain by religious extremists, we will continue to loudly and firmly express our love for our trans neighbors,” Rev. Raushenbush said. “Let’s be clear: God loves trans youth, and so do so many religious communities and people of diverse faith and belief across our country.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Ben DePasquale, bdepasquale@westendstrategy.com

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Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.