Several New Hampshire organizations spoke out today to denounce the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the “Muslim Ban.”

“Trump promised to ban Muslims in his campaign for Presidency and now with the complicity of the nation’s highest court he has been able to make this happen,” said Dan Pontoh, organizer with the ACLU of New Hampshire. “ This is not the first time that the Supreme Court has ruled on the wrong side of American history.  We are saddened that the Roberts court will now be included in court decisions that have allowed discrimination to be legalized,” he added.

 

“This decision will have a detrimental impact on the way Muslim communities understand their value and place in this country. Instead of encouraging notions of an America that could be inclusive, diverse, and welcoming of people despite race or religion, the Supreme Court decided it will uphold a ban that is driven by anti-Muslim sentiments. As a Libyan/American parent from one of the banned countries, it was extremely difficult to talk with my teenage boys about today’s decision,” commented Asma Elhuni of the United Valley Interfaith Project (UVIP). “This attack on Muslims will only encourage more government sanctioned discrimination of others as well.”

“Today’s Supreme Court decision extends the administration’s anti-family agenda that we have also seen through mass detention and deportation.  This ban will keep spouses apart and will separate children from their parents,” said Jason Wells, Executive Director of the NH Council of Churches.

“The fight for rights for immigrant families does not end with this decision. We plan to continue to organize and mobilize against unjust policies that target and dehumanize immigrants,” said Arnie Alpert, Co-Director of the American Friends Service Commmittee’s NH Program.

The ACLU, AFSC, UVIP and the NH Council of Churches are planning a forum during the week of July 9 to explore the impact of today’s decision and community responses. Details will be publicized shortly.