Although “judgment day” for the upcoming election is just days away, it looks likely that the millions of people affected by Supreme Court cases may have to wait until a new president nominates the next Supreme Court justice— or have their cases ruled on by only eight justices —thanks to Republican obstructionists like Sen. Kelly Ayotte.
One case in particular has me especially anxious. The Supreme Court announced late last week that it is poised to decide whether public school systems must allow transgender students to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity.
This case is extremely important to me and to many people in my community. I am a non-binary person, meaning that while I do not identify with the female gender I was assigned at birth, I also do not identify as male. I have taken steps over the last two years to medically and socially transition, and am extremely thankful that most of the people I care about have been extremely supportive.
While I don’t feel uncomfortable using the women’s bathroom, many in my community have experienced harassment and violence. This is truly a life-or-death issue: In 2014, the Williams Institute found that over half of people who had been targets of anti-transgender bullying had attempted suicide. Transgender women of color are especially at risk for sexual assault, hate crimes, and other violence.
These “bathroom bills” that have gained attention over the last year are an intentional backlash by the Right against much of the recent progress the LGBT community has made. A 4-4 tie in this case would leave the lower court’s decision in place and set no precedent for transgender students across the country—leaving justice, dignity, and safety hanging in the balance for many of the 1.4 million transgender people across the country. Put another way, if it weren’t for the irresponsible obstruction of Sen. Kelly Ayotte and others in her party, this case would be heard by nine justices who could then set a precedent on this issue, hopefully one affirming the rights of transgender students nationally. The case could also pave the way for future rulings against transgender discrimination for non-students.
Right now, the ballot box is our best tool to restore the full power of the Supreme Court and to ensure that future justices understand our constitutional rights to equal protection under the law. Hillary Clinton has been clear that justices she would nominate will stand up for LGBT rights. But judges on Trump’s Supreme Court shortlist were put there to satisfy the most virulently anti-equality forces in the conservative movement.
I call on all Granite Staters who care about personal freedoms and human rights to vote against Supreme Court obstructionist Kelly Ayotte, and to vote for Hillary Clinton for president.
Linds Jakows is the New Hampshire Campaign Organizer with People For the American Way.
Manchester Ink Link welcomes submissions on topics of interest for consideration — send to Carol Robidoux at robidouxnews@gmail.com.
