Boom! Lawyered

This week, Imani and Jess dive into Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, a case out of Texas that could upend First Amendment free speech law. At issue in the case is a Texas law that requires age verification to visit websites that offer pornographic content. An adult entertainment trade organization, the Free Speech Coalition, is arguing that the law puts internet users’ privacy and security at risk. Plus, there’s another problem: Conservatives could weaponize the “porn ban” law to broadly ban LGBTQ+ content or sex education materials. And dozens of states are waiting in the wings to follow suit if the Supreme Court upholds it.Rewire News Group is a nonprofit media organization, which means that episodes like this one are only made possible with the support of listeners like you! If you can, please join our team by donating here.And sign up for The Fallout, a weekly newsletter written by Jess that’s exclusively dedicated to covering every aspect of this unprecedented moment. 

This week, Jess and Imani read Chief Justice John Roberts’ annual “state of the judiciary report” so you don’t have to.It’s one of the country’s worst New Years’ traditions, and this year was no exception. In the 2024 report, Roberts waxed poetic about the importance of protecting judicial independence, comparing Black Americans’ civil rights struggle to internet criticism of judges. The one word missing from the report? “Ethics.”Rewire News Group is a nonprofit media organization, which means that episodes like this one are only made possible with the support of listeners like you! If you can, please join our team by donating here.And sign up for The Fallout, a weekly newsletter written by Jess that’s exclusively dedicated to covering every aspect of this unprecedented moment.

The hosts dive into the contentious debate over birthright citizenship, sparked by Trump's threats to end it with executive action. They unpack the historical roots in the 14th Amendment and discuss pivotal court cases that have shaped the current landscape. The implications of such changes could lead to societal upheaval, mass deportations, and deeper racial divides. The conversation also broaches the future of citizenship laws amid rising political pressures and the efforts of conservatives to push for constitutional changes.

A significant Supreme Court case is at the heart of discussions on gender-affirming care for trans minors, scrutinizing the implications of Tennessee's law. The conversation dives into the disconnect between parental rights and state control, highlighting the challenging legal precedents. Key arguments reveal a troubling disdain from conservative justices, sparking concerns about the long-term fight for trans rights. Historical discrimination and judicial ignorance are examined, questioning the court's responsibility to protect marginalized communities.

The Supreme Court's upcoming case on transgender minors' rights to gender-affirming care raises significant concerns. The discussion highlights the intersection of political narratives and the spreading misconceptions about trans rights. With critiques of judicial cowardice and political condescension, the conversation emphasizes the urgent need for genuine policy changes. Advocates face mounting challenges, emphasizing the role of organizations fighting for these rights while pushing listeners to stay informed and engaged.

The hosts dive deep into the potential fallout of a second Trump term on reproductive rights. They tackle alarming topics like fetal personhood, increased surveillance of pregnant individuals, and the looming threat of abortion pill bans. Legal battles over abortion access and the implications of the Comstock Act take center stage, revealing a challenging landscape. Amidst the political turbulence, they emphasize the importance of solidarity and finding moments of joy in activism, making for a thought-provoking and engaging discussion.

Join Andrea Grimes, a journalist and vice president of research at Reproaction, as she dives into the battlefield of reproductive rights. She uncovers the insidious links between anti-abortion and anti-democracy movements, revealing the challenges pro-abortion activists face in combating disinformation. Andrea also discusses her latest venture, The Flytrap, a feminist blog aimed at reviving diverse and inclusive media. With a blend of earnestness and humor, she highlights the power of collective media in shaping future journalism.

Can pro-natalists go touch some grass? A trio of conservative attorneys general filed a complaint in federal court claiming the availability of mifepristone, one of two drugs used in medication abortions in the United States, creates a “sovereign injury” to the states themselves. They argue that mifepristone lowers teen birth rates in violation of the states’ “population interests.”Jess and Imani get into why this argument is essentially constitutionally-mandated eugenics and how it could expand state police power. We could be entering an entirely new era of constitutional law.Rewire News Group is a nonprofit media organization, which means that episodes like this one are only made possible with the support of listeners like you! If you can, please join our team by donating here.And sign up for The Fallout, a weekly newsletter written by Jess that’s exclusively dedicated to covering every aspect of this unprecedented moment.

Dive into the complexities of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, especially as it intertwines with recent legal battles over emergency abortion care. Explore the surprising role of the Spending Clause, once overlooked but now pivotal in the ongoing legal discourse. The hosts humorously dissect how conservative strategies are reshaping abortion rights, highlighting the influence of key Supreme Court justices. Get ready for a lively conversation about the tensions between state laws and federal mandates in healthcare.

Project 2025, the 2024 election’s big bad wolf, is coming for reproductive justice. The Heritage Foundation’s policy prescription for a second Donald Trump administration would turn the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) on its head and explicitly allow anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.This week, Jess and Imani dive into the Project 2025 policy positions that pose the biggest threat to reproductive health care. From disavowing abortion to its “life agenda,” the parade of horribles would, if implemented, entrench the country further into Christofascism. Mentioned in this episode:National Women’s Law Center Project 2025 reportRewire News Group is a nonprofit media organization, which means that episodes like this one are only made possible with the support of listeners like you! If you can, please join our team by donating here.And sign up for The Fallout, a weekly newsletter written by Jess that’s exclusively dedicated to covering every aspect of this unprecedented moment.