The Supreme Court is preparing for a busy June as justices race to deliver opinions on several high-profile cases before their summer recess. With decisions expected on cases ranging from transgender healthcare to religious freedoms in schools, the coming weeks promise significant legal developments that could reshape American policies.
According to CBS Colorado, the high court has already ruled on several notable cases this term, including a 7-2 decision upholding Biden-era regulations on ghost guns and a split 4-4 ruling that blocked the nation's first religious charter school in Oklahoma. But more than two dozen cases remain undecided as the justices prepare for their summer break.
The flurry of upcoming decisions comes amid a steady stream of emergency appeals from the Trump administration seeking relief from lower court rulings that have impeded the implementation of the president's second-term agenda. The court's attention to these matters suggests their summer recess is unlikely to be a quiet one.
The Supreme Court's upcoming ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti represents the first time the justices have waded into the contentious debate over healthcare for transgender youth. The case challenges Tennessee's law prohibiting medical treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender adolescents under 18.
Tennessee is among 25 states that have enacted similar restrictions on gender-affirming care for young people diagnosed with gender dysphoria. During December arguments, the court's conservative majority appeared sympathetic to Tennessee's position, suggesting the ban might be upheld.
The Biden administration, three families, and a physician have argued that Tennessee's ban violates the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law. The decision could have far-reaching implications for similar laws across the country and establish a precedent for how states can regulate medical care for transgender youth.
President Trump's executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship faces serious legal scrutiny at the Supreme Court. In a rare May argument session, justices considered whether to allow partial enforcement of the policy while challenges proceed through lower courts.
The Justice Department has asked the court to permit implementation against states and individuals not directly involved in the three pending lawsuits. If granted, the administration would still be prevented from enforcing the policy against 22 states, seven individuals, and two immigrants' rights organizations that are parties to the litigation.
The case also raises important questions about nationwide injunctions, which have blocked several Trump administration policies. During arguments, justices appeared divided on whether district court judges should have the authority to issue such broad orders, with several conservative members expressing skepticism about their use.
The Supreme Court appears sympathetic to parents challenging a Maryland school district's policy requiring students to participate in lessons featuring LGBTQ-inclusive content regardless of religious objections. The case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, examines whether Montgomery County unconstitutionally burdened parents' First Amendment religious freedom rights.
The dispute began when the school board introduced LGBTQ-inclusive storybooks into its elementary curriculum in 2022. Initially allowing parents to opt their children out, the board reversed course in March 2023, eliminating the exemption option for families with religious objections.
During March arguments, justices seemed inclined to require public schools to provide religious opt-outs for such instruction. The ruling could significantly impact how public schools nationwide balance inclusive education with religious accommodation requirements.
Other major cases awaiting decisions include a Louisiana congressional redistricting dispute that could affect voting rights nationwide, South Carolina's attempt to defund Planned Parenthood's Medicaid participation, and Texas's age-verification requirements for pornographic websites.
The court will also rule on challenges to the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Fund and the structure of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which recommends which preventive care services must be covered by insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act.
With the summer recess approaching, the Supreme Court faces mounting pressure to resolve these consequential cases. The justices' decisions will likely reshape policies affecting healthcare access, religious freedoms, and executive authority in ways that could impact Americans for generations.
