Transcript: Mayor Eric Adams Calls in Live to 1010 WINS

June 24, 2022

Larry Mullins: There has been much reaction throughout the country today to the ruling on part of the Supreme Court overruling, if you will, the Roe v. Wade abortion rights law. Of course, none more fiery than that of our mayor, Eric Adams, who has been very vocal about that Supreme Court ruling. He joins us live now here on the 1010 WINS hotline to share his thoughts with us. Mayor, thank you for joining us this afternoon.

Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you very much. And as I continue to process these last two days that we have experienced a court that has ruled against the opinion of most Americans. For two days in a row, this highest court and the land rule against health, safety and freedoms. For two days in a row, the court ruled against the majority views of the people of this country. And that is something that's problematic. Clearly we're seeing politics play out in a justice system, in the highest court in our land.

Mullins: Mayor, let me ask you, were you really surprised since we did have that leaked opinion earlier this month? Or is it just more shocking that they actually did it, to you?

Mayor Adams: You know, even when you prepare for the death of something, when you hear the announcement, it knocks to wind out of you. We started preparing when we heard the leaked opinion, but there's always a part of you to say, "Please tell me it's not true." That part of us really left today when this decision was made and devastated the lives of countless number of women throughout our country who no longer have the right to choose what happens to their bodies.

Mullins: Would it appear to you that this notion on part of Justice Clarence Thomas basically hinting that same sex relationships, contraception, what you do in the bedroom, et cetera, could be next? Any concerns about that, that we're seeing a rollback in all human rights laws?

Mayor Adams: Yes, we are. Civil rights, voting rights, all of these rights that we fought so long to hold onto. And the mere fact that he alluded to that, that should send shivers through all of us. When we look at the ruling around guns, what we are seeing is the hypocrisy of their decision. In one decision they say that citizens don't have the right to choose what happens to their bodies, and in another decision, they say they do have the right to arm themselves with dangerous weapons that would take the life of innocent people. This is extremely concerning to all Americans what is happening to our Supreme Court. It has clearly become politicized in my opinion.

Mullins: Back to abortions now, some states out west will offer abortion services. Here in the east, New York will be the biggest provider. So is the city prepared, I guess, to handle what could be an influx of people coming in here to get abortions? Were plans made for it, or will plans be made for it, mayor?

Mayor Adams: Well, we are known as the city that will always step up for not only those who are here in New York, but those who are fleeing some form of draconian actions within their home state. Remember, abortion remains legal here, and it's protected in New York and you could get counseling and you could get care here in the city. And we have confidential counselors that's free or low cost, and it is our - really our belief that through our website, we are going to send the information out to as many people as possible. And we're going to do everything we can for our brothers and sisters in other states to let them know that this city is going to be a safe haven for those who want to make a decision on what they're going to do with their bodies.

Mullins: Yeah. I heard your personal story earlier about being a 15 year old potential dad. Do you think, were it not for the abortion on part of your girlfriend that a 15 year old father would've turned out to be mayor of this city?

Mayor Adams: No, I don't. But not only how it would have deterred my movement, but how many children are born when parents are not ready to provide the services for them? What would've happened to that young man? It was easier when I became an adult, and my son's mother decided she wanted to keep a child. I was a police officer at the time, I was able to provide for him with healthcare and counseling and give him what he needed. But at 15, I was not in the right state of mind, I was not doing the things I should have been done. And the mother, Linda decided that was the decision she was going to make. And in retrospect, it was the right decision.

Mullins: Real quick, Mayor, a quick note on the open carry gun decision that was made by the courts yesterday; can you expand on a statement you made earlier today that our legal counsel says private areas can still come up with their own restrictions?

Mayor Adams: We are looking at every area that we can focus on, and we believe that there's a possibility that if laws are pass here in our state where a private area or a private establishment, such as a bar, restaurant, we believe there's room to pass the law that would allow that to happen. But we are leaving no stone unturned and the lawyers will figure out exactly what we can do here in the city to really minimize the danger that this law passed down. Now, remember, sensitive locations could be anywhere from a school, polling location, governmental building, and possibly other locations, and that's what the governor and our legal teams are looking at.

Mullins: His honor, Mayor Eric Adams. Thank you, sir. Always a pleasure and you know you're always welcome, sir.

Mayor Adams: Thank you.

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