Human Rights Campaign take on Roberts nomination and GLBT issues

Dear Ellen DeGeneres (just kidding - apologies to the real Ellen),

Moments ago, President Bush nominated conservative Judge John G. Roberts, Jr. to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Knowing he was on the President's "short list" of potential nominees, HRC has already conducted a preliminary review of his record. We have serious concerns about his judicial philosophy regarding the constitutional right to privacy and legal protections for GLBT
Americans. And while he has no paper trail on GLBT issues, that does not mean that he is supportive. His views on legal protections for our community must be examined in Senate hearings. Now that his nomination is official, we're digging more deeply to learn where Judge Roberts stands specifically on GLBT and other civil rights issues.

Between now and Judge Roberts' confirmation hearings most likely in September, HRC has a monumental task of analyzing his record and uncovering his beliefs on issues important to GLBT Americans. We urgently need your financial help. Click below to stand with us and help protect our rights.

George Bush has already made more than 200 appointments to the federal bench. It's highly unlikely that Judge Roberts will be the first with a record of support for GLBT rights or a woman's right to choose. For example, would he have voted with the majority to strike down anti-gay sodomy laws in America? Or to declare Colorado's anti-gay Amendment 2 unconstitutional? Neither Clarence Thomas nor Antonin Scalia did -- and that's the kind of appointment Bush promised to make to the Supreme Court.

As you know, there is no more important decision for protecting the rights and freedoms of every American than choosing a Supreme Court Justice. The Supreme Court will have the LAST WORD on the constitutionality of marriage for same-sex couples in America; the LAST WORD on the constitutionality of GLBT-inclusive hate crimes laws; the LAST WORD on whether GLBT Americans can serve openly in our military. Their decisions affect all Americans and all of us must stand together now to fight for a fair and balanced Supreme Court. Click here to make your emergency gift today.

HRC needs YOU and all people who care about GLBT equality. Please, make your donation today and then take a moment to tell a friend about our efforts.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese
HRC President

P.S. Early right-wing reviews on the Roberts nomination are positive. They believe Roberts will back many of their key issues. That makes HRC's job especially difficult -- and your special support tremendously urgent. Click here to make an emergency contribution right now.
https://secure.ga3.org/03/supreme_nom.

but I'm not a big fan of the HRC

they're way too moderate for my taste, and way too mainstream

do, or don't do with it what you will.
:hi:

there are going to be other groups fighting this nomination so HRC isn't going to be the only one