Hawaii lawmakers denounced Tuesday’s Supreme Court decision on their state’s lawsuit against the Trump administration. The court ruled 5-4 to uphold the president’s travel ban.
Lieutenant Governor Doug Chin, who sued the administration as Hawaii’s attorney general in March 2017, tweeted via his campaign page Tuesday that the drawn-out legal battle was a “necessary” fight.
.@HRC I took on this fight precisely because it wouldn’t be easy – but was absolutely NECESSARY. Because it’s been nothing short of a battle for our nation’s conscience and soul. #NoMuslimBanEver https://t.co/59mEau5IXS
— Lt. Governor Doug Chin (@dougchinforhi) June 26, 2018
He also shared messages about discrimination and general criticism from the President aimed at Hawaii families in light of Tuesday’s rulings.
I hurt today for Hawai‘i families and others who have experienced discrimination and scapegoating due to President Trump’s bullying remarks and orders. #TrumpvHawaii #ltgovdougchin
— Hawaii Lt. Governor Doug Chin (@lt_doug) June 26, 2018
I am fortified, however, by the spirit of all those who came before us and struggled for the American dream. The path to civil rights does not always come quickly, but I have faith in humanity and believe justice will eventually prevail. #TrumpvHawaii #ltgovdougchin
— Hawaii Lt. Governor Doug Chin (@lt_doug) June 26, 2018
Both of Hawaii’s Democrat senators denounced the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“What is legal is not always just. A narrow ruling on whether or not the President of the United States is in possession of the statutory authority to implement this policy avoids the basic question of whether or not it’s the right thing to do,” Sen. Brian Schatz said in a statement.
Sen. Mazie Hirono spoke at a rally outside of Supreme Court after the decision was released. She called Judge Neil Gorsuch, President Trump’s pick to the Supreme Court after a bitter fight between Democrats and Republicans, “the necessary vote” to secure this ruling.
“Is the president going to say that it’s our national security to ban people from Canada? To ban people from Guatemala? From Honduras? Who’s next?” She asked the crowd.
Ms. Hirono, who has been vocal about her criticisms of Trump’s recent’s immigration policies, also tweeted her opinions on the case, saying “this is a dark day for America.”
Today is a dark day for our country. Every time our country has singled out a minority group for discriminatory treatment, we have been proven very, very wrong. The Supreme Court’s decision in #TrumpvHawaii will be no different.
— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) June 26, 2018
By ignoring the President’s clear intent to discriminate against Muslims, the Court handed the President unfettered power to continue to target minorities.
— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) June 26, 2018
This version of the travel ban was signed as an executive order in September 2017. Eight countries were blacklisted for travel and immigration - including Iran, Iraq, Syria, and North Korea - but only restrictions on Chad have been lifted.
President Trump, on the other hand, has called the decision “a tremendous victory” for the country.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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