How did Thomas GET here?
The Supreme Court announced Monday it will not hear a case that challenges the landmark press freedom ruling in New York Times v. Sullivan of 1964. The current precedent remains — guarding media from superfluous defamation suits filed by public officials and public figures.
The appeal in question involved Coral Ridge Ministries Media and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). Coral Ridge, a Christian nonprofit group, sued the SPLC for listing them as a “hate group” due to their opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. In 2017, Coral Ridge claimed defamation because the categorization disqualified the nonprofit from participating in the AmazonSmile donations program. The suit challenged the standards set in NYT v. Sullivan decision nearly 60 years ago.
When the court announced it would not hear the appeal, Justice Clarence Thomas was the lone dissenter. ...It’s a violation of our constitutionally protected right to free press. It is a continuation of a growing movement to impede the essential work of journalists.
The Hill
The appeal in question involved Coral Ridge Ministries Media and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). Coral Ridge, a Christian nonprofit group, sued the SPLC for listing them as a “hate group” due to their opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. In 2017, Coral Ridge claimed defamation because the categorization disqualified the nonprofit from participating in the AmazonSmile donations program. The suit challenged the standards set in NYT v. Sullivan decision nearly 60 years ago.
When the court announced it would not hear the appeal, Justice Clarence Thomas was the lone dissenter. ...It’s a violation of our constitutionally protected right to free press. It is a continuation of a growing movement to impede the essential work of journalists.
The Hill
