For Immediate Release
July 20, 2005
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Contacts:
Lynn Schulman, 212.367.1210
Noel Alicea, 212.367.1216 |
GAY MEN'S HEALTH CRISIS
OPPOSES NOMINATION
OF JOHN ROBERTS AS A THREAT TO
HIV/AIDS AND LGBT COMMUNITIES
NEW YORK — President Bush's nomination of John Roberts to
the U.S. Supreme Court poses a significant threat to the rights
and safety of people and communities disproportionately affected
by HIV and AIDS: communities of color — especially women of
color, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and low income
communities, all of whom we serve at Gay Men's Health Crisis. Thus,
this nomination is of critical importance to GMHC.
Very little is known about Judge Roberts' judicial record on the
U.S. court of appeals for the District of Columbia. But what we
do know of his public service and private law practice is sufficient
cause to oppose his nomination as Associate Justice. We call on
New York's Senators, Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton, to do
everything that they can to block the confirmation of John Roberts.
During his tenure at the Department of Justice, Roberts wrote
that Roe v. Wade — a case that also provided a supporting
legal precedent for overturning the sodomy laws — should itself
be overturned. The reproductive freedom of women would be damaged
severely by overturning Roe v. Wade.
Roberts is said to be a strict constitutionalist. LGBT rights
can only be safeguarded by a justice who interprets the Constitution
as a living document.
Roberts has argued before the high court that doctors working
in federally funded programs can be barred from discussing the
full range of reproductive options with patients. The lives of
people with HIV/AIDS rely on free, unfettered, uncensored access
to medical information and treatment options.
Roberts co-authored an amicus brief supporting religious activities
in public high school graduations. History has shown that LGBT
people, among others, have faced discrimination and stigma when
religion has intruded into the public realm.
Judge John Roberts cannot be given the opportunity to make law
for what may well be the next thirty years. GMHC urges members
of the Senate Judiciary Committee to reject his confirmation. The
job of the Committee and the full Senate is not to ensure an easy
hearing or smooth proceedings, but to advise and consent — or
withhold that consent if need be. As the nomination process moves
forward, GMHC will remain vigilant and vocal, lest the civil rights
of LGBT people and people with HIV/AIDS be compromised in the rush
to confirmation.
* * *
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported
and community-based organization committed to national leadership
in the fight against AIDS. Our mission is to reduce the spread
of HIV disease, help people with HIV maintain and improve their
health and independence, and keep the prevention, treatment and
cure of HIV an urgent national and local priority. In fulfilling
this mission, we will remain true to our heritage by fighting
homophobia and affirming the individual dignity of all gay men
and lesbians. We provide services and programs to over 15,000
men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS
in New York City. For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org.
© 2005 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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