Comments referenced Catholic organizations, including a nursing home

ALBANY - NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement:

“Governor Hochul’s remarks characterizing the plaintiffs in yesterday’s Court of Appeals ruling as ‘right-wing extremists’ are unbefitting of the office she holds. Such divisive language only serves to undermine the judicial process and alienate a significant portion of New Yorkers who believe in freedom of religion and freedom from government mandates that violate religious beliefs.

“This has become a disturbing pattern: Gov. Hochul recently described a respected judge in Rochester as an ‘extremist’ after he ruled against the state in a case regarding procedural objections to the proposed amendment to the state constitution.

“New York deserves a governor who can engage in respectful dialogue. Governor Hochul’s comments were inflammatory – she should apologize.”