National Council of Jewish Women Opposes President Trump’s Nominee to Supreme Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2020

Media Contact:
Sarah Garfinkel, West End Strategy Team
sgarfinkel@westendstrategy.com; 202-765-4290

National Council of Jewish Women Opposes
President Trump’s Nominee to Supreme Court

WASHINGTON – National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) CEO Sheila Katz released the following statement today after President Trump announced his choice of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat on the U.S. Supreme Court:

“The National Council of Jewish Women has spent decades advocating for a federal judiciary that is of and for the people. We believe federal judges who serve in these lifetime appointments must be fair, independent and qualified with a commitment to constitutional rights for everyone — and even more so for judges who serve on our nation’s highest court. Judge Amy Coney Barrett fails to meet these criteria.

“Due to her past statements and decisions related to abortion, health care, immigration, gun violence prevention and racial justice, NCJW strongly opposes Amy Coney Barrett as a nominee to the highest court in the nation. We are also deeply troubled that Barrett has stated she would prioritize her personal religious views above settled law.

“In fact, Barrett has been extremely critical of the doctrine that requires judges to follow well-settled law, which has been central in ensuring access to abortion and other necessary health care. Her lack of respect for precedent is further called into question by her open criticism of Roe v. Wade, and her gross mischaracterization of the landmark ruling. Barrett is also on record in opposition to the Affordable Care Act, and even criticized Chief Justice John Roberts for his decision to uphold the law in 2012.

“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a trailblazer who fundamentally shifted our nation toward equality, deserves a justice in her seat who will fulfill and advance her legacy – not one who would take us backwards. In the middle of an election, NCJW’s network of 180,000 advocates across the country is dedicated to ensuring the seat stays open for the next president to fill.”

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The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.