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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCJW Opposes Latest Right-Wing Appeals Court Appointees

March 7, 2019, Washington, DC – Following the Senate’s confirmation of three right-wing federal judges in as many days, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) CEO Nancy K. Kaufman released the following statement:

“The confirmation of Allison Rushing to the United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and of Eric E. Murphy and Chad Readler, both to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, will buttress the drive by President Trump to bend the federal judiciary to the hard right. The Senate’s eagerness to so speedily confirm extreme individuals to lifetime appointments demonstrates its lack of respect for the independence of the judiciary. Rather than honoring safeguards that exist to insulate the third branch of government from partisanship, Senate Republican leadership continues to disregard these time-tested protections in favor of ideologues that will do the bidding of President Trump for decades after he leaves the White House.

“Allison Rushing is a committed opponent of LGBTQ rights, arguing that Congress intended that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) reflect the ‘moral disapproval of homosexuality, and a moral conviction that heterosexuality better comports with traditional (especially Judeo-Christian) morality.’ She also argued successfully to reduce workers’ right in a landmark case involving a contract dispute. Her hearing was held during a congressional recess, over the opposition of Democrats who said the timing prevented a full airing of her record. A member of the rightwing Federalist Society, Rushing is the youngest appeals court nominee to date, having graduated from law school just 11 years ago.

“As Assistant Attorney General, Readler overruled senior members of the Justice Department in arguing in Texas v. United States that mandating coverage for people with pre-existing conditions was unconstitutional. Readler is diehard advocate for other rightwing causes. He supported the separation of children from families at the US-Mexico border; advocated for the Muslim ban; worked to undermine public education; promoted the Trump Administration’s anti-LGBTQ and anti-reproductive rights agenda; fought to allow tobacco companies to advertise to children, including outside day care centers; sought to undermine the independence of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; and advocated for executing minors.

“As the State Solicitor of Ohio, Eric E. Murphy has worked to make it easier for Ohio to disenfranchise voters. He has argued against marriage equality in the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges case, has attacked reproductive rights, and has repeatedly sided with special interests over the general public. His record raises serious concerns that he will undermine critical rights and legal protections.

“For the sake of our courts — and our constitutional rights — Senators must insist on fully-vetted, experienced nominees without biases or partisan agendas. It is truly the least they can do.”

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.