[Press Release by RINOW July 20, 2005]

Contact: Emily Rochon, 401-965-6081 or Meaghan Lamarre, 401-225-3543
For immediate release.

Last night, President Bush announced the nomination of John G. Roberts to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor on the Supreme Court. President Bush began his remarks by commenting that the appointment of a Supreme Court justice is one of the most consequential decisions a President can make. Rhode Island NOW wholeheartedly agrees and that is why we strongly oppose the nomination of Judge John G. Roberts.

As O’Connor’s replacement, Roberts could cast the deciding vote on countless matters of individual rights where O’Connor had been a key vote, often in a 5 to 4 split — issues like abortion and birth control, affirmative action, privacy rights, disability rights, Title IX equal educational opportunity, family and medical leave, health care, environmental protection and dozens of other crucial issues for decades to come. For young women, Roberts’ votes could determine their access to birth control and abortion for their entire reproductive lifetimes.

Among our many concerns, Roberts actively opposes Roe v. Wade and wrote several amicus briefs while a Deputy Solicitor General. He has argued that “Roe was wrongly decided and should be overruled.” He also wrote an amicus brief supporting Operation Rescue, arguing in support of individuals who routinely blocked access to clinics.

In addition to his active opposition to a woman’s right to choose, Judge Roberts has also argued to limit the protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the scope of the Endangered Species act, challenged affirmative action programs, and argued against Title IX.

We had high hopes for this nomination: we had hoped for another woman to replace Justice O’Connor and we had hoped for a moderate, centrist nominee who would unite the country in these divided times. However, President Bush has chosen an extremist with no commitment to the basic values of individual and civil rights for which we have fought so hard. With this nomination, President Bush has chosen to pick a fight and we intend to fight back.