The Supreme Court is set to address a series of significant cases in the coming year, with rulings expected on controversial topics such as the nationwide TikTok ban, age verification for online pornography, and taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood.
Following a term marked by landmark decisions on presidential immunity, the administrative state, and government involvement in censorship, the Court will now delve into new legal battles with potentially far-reaching implications.
The fate of the popular social media platform TikTok hangs in the balance as the Court considers a law that could lead to a nationwide ban. The law, set to take effect on January 19th, would force TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance to divest from the platform or face a ban in the United States.
TikTok has filed an emergency application seeking to block the law, arguing it would “shutter one of America’s most popular speech platforms.” Meanwhile, supporters of the ban, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, cite national security concerns and the potential for Chinese influence as justification for the law. Oral arguments are scheduled for January 10th.
The Court will also examine the legality of laws passed in 19 states that require age verification for access to online pornography. The case centers on a Texas law that mandates websites publishing “sexual material harmful to minors” to verify users are over 18 years old.
Opponents of the law, including the Free Speech Coalition, argue it infringes on adults’ access to constitutionally protected expression. The case raises questions about online privacy, freedom of speech, and the protection of minors.
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A case involving Catholic Charities will test the boundaries of religious exemptions. The Court will decide whether the organization can opt out of Wisconsin’s unemployment program based on religious objections and enroll in an alternative program run by the Wisconsin Bishops.
The case raises questions about the separation of church and state and the scope of religious freedom for organizations providing social services.
The Court will also address the contentious issue of states’ ability to restrict Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood. A case originating in South Carolina challenges the state’s decision to exclude abortion providers from receiving Medicaid funds for family planning services.
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Planned Parenthood argues that Medicaid recipients have the right to choose their healthcare provider, while opponents contend that taxpayer dollars should not fund organizations that provide abortions.
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