Roberts Confirmation Makes the Next Nominee Critical to Preserving Court Balance

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NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign
1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20036-3278
E-mail: hrc [at] hrc.org
http://www.hrc.org
_________________________________

For Immediate Release -- Thursday, September 29, 2005

Contact: Steven Fisher | Phone: (202) 216-1547 | Cell: (202) 431-7608
Contact: Brad Luna | Phone: (202) 216-1514 | Cell: (202) 812-8140

Roberts Confirmation Makes the Next Nominee Critical to Preserving
Court
Balance

"With a Chief Justice who's been given a stamp of approval by the
extreme right-wing, it's critical that the next Justice preserve a fair
and balanced court," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe
Solmonese.

WASHINGTON - Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the
following statement today about the need for a balanced Supreme Court
as
the Senate voted 78-22 to confirm John Roberts as Chief Justice of the
United States.

"With a Chief Justice who's been given a stamp of approval by the
extreme right-wing, it's critical that the next Justice preserve a fair
and balanced Court," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe
Solmonese.
"Justice O'Connor was a voice of moderation and cast several votes to
protect the GLBT community in recent years. Justice O'Connor's
replacement should continue the model of fairness she and others have
set. We join Republicans and Democrats alike in continuing to call on
President Bush to nominate a justice who will keep the court balanced."

Solmonese added, "We are proud of the work of thousands of HRC
supporters who weighed in with opposition to Roberts' nomination and
thank those Senators who opposed his nomination. Roberts' record as
well
as the lack of answers to key fundamental questions at the hearings
continues to suggest that he will be as extreme as Justices Scalia and
Thomas. We hope we are wrong and that his votes on the Court will
reflect greater respect for fundamental rights."

"The next confirmation process must focus on ensuring individual
rights
and liberties are protected," continued Solmonese. "Every American
deserves to know that the Supreme Court is a place where our
Constitutional freedoms are protected. We are determined to ensure that
freedoms for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans are
protected by the Court."

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay,
bisexual
and transgender political organization with members throughout the
country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and
educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest
and safe at home, at work and in the community.

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