The majority stated that the Fifteenth Amendment only bars state action “motivated by discriminatory purpose.”
The Supreme Court majority ruled that the Louisiana congressional map based on race was an unconstitutional gerrymander. After the 2020 census, the congressional districts were reapportioned, providing a second district that was primarily made up of minorities.
“Unlike other cases involving claims of racial discrimination, strict scrutiny is triggered only if race ‘predominated’ in the State’s decisionmaking process,” Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the majority. “When §2 of the Act is properly interpreted, it imposes liability only when circumstances give rise to a strong inference that intentional discrimination occurred.”
Justice Alito continued, “Because the Voting Rights Act did not require Louisiana to create an additional majority-minority district, no compelling interest justified the State’s use of race” in creating the district.
The decision stated, “As the Court has long held, the Fifteenth Amendment bars only state action ‘motivated by discriminatory purpose.'”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the justices of the Supreme Court as they hear cases related to election integrity and voting rights.
- For Chief Justice John Roberts to seek God’s leading as he presides over the high court.
- For wisdom for state officials as they assess the representation of their constituents in Congress.
Sources: UPI News, The Supreme Court, Townhall
