FROM A NEW RELEASE
May 19, 2009
Www.HRC.org/EqualityInTheCourts will provide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community with key information
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ( LGBT ) civil rights organization, today launched a new website designed to help provide key information on the Supreme Court nomination process to the LGBT community. The site outlines the critical need to have a fair-minded judiciary, recognizing that while LGBT Americans currently face discrimination under many state and federal laws, there have been recent gains in the Courts that further LGBT equality. To visit the website, visit: www.hrc.org/EqualityInTheCourts.
"There are many qualities to consider in a judicial nominee, and we believe one of the cornerstones must be a commitment to fundamental rights and equal protection," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "It is vital that we have a nominee who will uphold equal rights for all Americans, including LGBT Americans."
Human Rights Campaign's Criteria For Judges:
Only nominees who possess exceptional intellectual ability, distinguished experience in law, and a temperament that would enable them to make decisions fairly and with an open mind should be confirmed for lifetime appointments to the bench. HRC believes that an assessment of temperament worthy of lifetime appointments should include the following:
--demonstrated commitment to full equality under law for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans; individuals living with HIV and AIDS; women; people with disabilities and racial, ethnic, and religious minorities;
--demonstrated commitment to the constitutional right to privacy and individual liberty, including the right of two consenting adults to enter into consensual intimate relationships;
--respect for the constitutional authority of Congress to promote equality and civil rights and provide statutory remedies for discrimination and violence;
--sophisticated understanding of and commitment to the separation of church and state and the protection of those citizens with minority religious views;
--respect for state legislatures' attempts to address discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity and other factors through carefully crafted legislation that meets the requirements of the Constitution.
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
