Justice Alito Hits Back at World Leaders Critical of Overturning Roe, also Highlights ‘Hostility to Religion’

Justice Samuel Alito gave the closing keynote speech in Rome at a religious liberty summit sponsored by Notre Dame Law School. Alito gave the speech on July 21st and was made public on July 28th. His full speech can be seen at the end of the article.

During his speech, Alito took to task foreign leaders who have been critical of the court’s decision, overturning Roe Vs. Wade. Alito named former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, and activist Prince Harry.

Justice Alito wrote the primary decision in the overturning of Roe Vs. Wade, which was leaked about a month before the decision was finalized.

Alito shared, “I had the honor this term of writing, I think, the only Supreme Court decision in the history of that institution that has been lambasted by a whole string of foreign leaders who felt perfectly fine commenting on American law.”

Alito then took a hilarious slight at Boris Johnson, ““One of these was former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, but he paid the price”. Johnson has since resigned as Prime Minister of England, but had called the U.S. Supreme Court decision a “big step backwards”.

Alito also addressed Prince Harry’s speech to the United Nations on July 18th. Prince Harry called it a “painful year” and mentioned the “rolling back of constitutional rights” in the US.

Alito sarcastically said, “What really wounded me was when the Duke of Sussex addressed the United Nations and seemed to compare the decision whose name may not be spoken with the Russian attack on Ukraine.”

Emmanuel Macron said the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court “compromised” women’s freedoms, while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the decision was “horrific”.

After mocking the world leaders Alito took to a more serious matter. Alito claimed that the decline in faith in the Western world has left believers open to more discrimination.

“The problem that looms is not just indifference to religion, it’s not just ignorance about religion. There’s also growing hostility to religion, or at least the traditional religious beliefs that are contrary to the new moral code that is ascendant in some sectors.”

“Unless the people can be convinced that robust religious liberty is worth protecting, it will not endure.”

Alito’s comments have gotten under the skin of progressive congresswoman AOC. She called his comments alarming and reminded everyone that he wrote the leaked opinion, She also declared that “The Supreme Court is in a legitimacy crisis.” in a tweet.

“Remember: it was Alito’s opinion that leaked. That fact paired with his politicized remarks below should be alarming to anyone. The Supreme Court is in a legitimacy crisis. Chief Justice Roberts has a responsibility to share the progress & results of SCOTUS’ leak investigation.”

Remember: it was Alito’s opinion that leaked.

That fact paired with his politicized remarks below should be alarming to anyone.

The Supreme Court is in a legitimacy crisis. Chief Justice Roberts has a responsibility to share the progress & results of SCOTUS’ leak investigation. https://t.co/5AlOb1ihJw

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 28, 2022