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Jeff Mateer A Disgrace to the Federal Bench

National Council of Jewish Women
1707 L Street NW, Suite 950
Washington, DC 20036-4206

Contact: Amanda Lang
Director of Marketing and Communications
212.870.2738

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jeff Mateer A Disgrace to the Federal Bench

September 29, 2017, Washington, DC – The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today expressed its strong opposition to President Trump’s nomination of Jeff Mateer for a seat on the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman released the following statement:

“President Trump has nominated Jeff Mateer, the First Assistant Attorney General of Texas, for a seat on the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Mateer has justifiably come under fire for his comments disparaging the LGBTQ community. Specifically, Mateer referred to transgender children as “Satan’s plan” and claimed that allowing same-sex couples to marry would lead to people wanting to marry themselves, marry a tree, or marry their pets.

“Mateer has publicly stated his dismay at the demise of conversion therapy, a practice that is harmful to its victims and that has been discredited by several medical organizations, including the American Psychiatric Foundation, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association.

“Equally disturbing, Mateer has asserted that there is no separation of church and state delineated in the Constitution, a view that is as dangerous as it is dubious. There is no excuse for advancing Mateer’s nomination and President Trump should withdraw his nomination, making it clear that bigotry and hate have no place in our federal court system.”

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.

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