“Today, the Senate voted to confirm Kyle Duncan of Louisiana to a lifetime appointment on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Duncan has dedicated his entire legal career to rolling back the rights of marginalized groups, including women, LGBTQ individuals, and African Americans. This is a shameful day for the integrity and independence of our federal judiciary.

As an attorney, Duncan defended a school board’s discriminatory rule prohibiting students from using the bathroom of their choice, arguing that transgender people are ‘mentally ill.’ In Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, Duncan served as lead counsel and defended the use of religion as a guise for discrimination against women. He also wrote an amicus brief in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt supporting Texas’ unconstitutional abortion law and defended a restrictive voting law that, according to the Fourth Circuit, ‘targeted African Americans with almost surgical precision.’

By ending debate and forcing an up or down vote yesterday, Sen. McConnell (R-KY) effectively endorsed a record of disrespect and disdain for LGBTQ people, women, and racial minorities. Our courts matter, and the Senate must confirm only fair-minded judges who respect equality and justice for all Americans. Unfortunately, with Duncan on the federal bench, we are one step closer to living without the hard-won rights we deserve.”