FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Barbara Simon Head of News and Campaigns, GLAAD bsimon@glaad.org

GLAAD CONDEMNS FULL SENATE VOTE ON CONFIRMATION OF JUDGE AMY CONEY BARRETT TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT: “HER RECORD AGAINST LGBTQ FAMILIES AND RIGHTS HAS NO PLACE IN AMERICAN LIFE, LET ALONE THE HIGHEST COURT IN THE LAND”

Barrett’s anti-LGBTQ record conflicts with the Court’s role to ensure “Equal Justice Under Law” and includes: stated views against marriage equality; service at a school that targeted and harmed LGBTQ students and families; associations with known anti-LGBTQ groups, showing a pattern of discrimination despite sworn testimony that she “has never” and “would not ever” discriminate “on the basis of ‘sexual preference’”

Partisan vote to confirm to full Senate comes after rushed nomination by a minority-elected, impeached one-term president, as nearly 60 million Americans have already voted, and as polls show the majority want the election winner to nominate the next justice

GLAAD joins state equality groups to release anti-LGBTQ records of senators rushing Barrett’s nomination without full examination of her anti-LGBTQ history, including Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, who used his committee leadership to spread false  anti-LGBTQ rhetoric

New York, NY – Monday, October 26, 2020 – GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, is condemning the pending vote by the U.S. Senate on the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court today, a nominee with a history of discrimination and ties to extremist anti-LGBTQ groups.

Barrett’s anti-LGBTQ record includes time served as a trustee of a school that discriminated against LGBTQ families, stated views against marriage equality, and associations with extremist groups promoting dangerous policies against LGBTQ youth and work to undermine legal rights of LGBTQ people. Barrett testified, under oath, that she “has never” and “would not ever” discriminate on the basis of ‘sexual preference,’ a term used by groups that Barrett has worked for to inaccurately suggest sexual orientation is a choice, and therefore changeable by harmful conversion therapy these groups advocate.

“Amy Coney Barrett’s pending confirmation is alarming for LGBTQ people and for all Americans whose fundamental rights should never be up for debate,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. ”Barrett’s time at a school that discriminated against LGBTQ families and hurt LGBTQ youth is disturbing and should disqualify her from the Court. Her stated views against marriage equality, rulings against access to abortion, and her public criticism of the Affordable Care Act are out of step with fair-minded Americans and threaten the progress our country has made to become a stronger and more equitable home for all. Her record against LGBTQ famiies and rights has no place in American life, let alone the highest court in the land. The rush to confirm her in this unprecedented way will undermine Judge Barrett’s credibility throughout her time on the court, and will be another point of evaluation for voters witnessing this process during an out-of-control pandemic, economic crisis and as millions are casting ballots.”

GLAAD and state equality groups South Carolina Equality, Equality North Carolina and One Iowa Action are also releasing research on the anti-LGBTQ records of senators responsible for rushing Barrett’s confirmation, including:

• South Carolina Senator and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, who allowed misleading testimony from Barrett on the Obergefell marriage equality ruling and used his committee leadership to smear LGBTQ couples, inaccurately and repeatedly comparing marriage equality to polygamy.
• Iowa Senator and judiciary committee member Joni Ernst, who rather than using her time in the public hearing to evaluate Barrett’s role at a school that discriminated against LGBTQ families, accused Democrats on the committee of attacking Barrett’s religious beliefs, even though Republicans were the only ones bringing up religion in the hearings. Sen. Ernst has consistently worked to overturn Iowa’s pioneering marriage equality ruling and criticized the landmark ruling to legalize marriage nationwide. She has also voted against benefits for spouses and children of LGBTQ servicemembers.
• North Carolina Senator and judiciary committee member Thom Tilis has supported policies to undermine marriage equality and repeated baseless rumors from the anti-LGBTQ conspiracy theory movement QAnon. Sen. Tillis’ judgment and priorities were further on display as he tested positive for COVID-19, likely infected while maskless at White House events announcing Barrett’s nomination, and where countless others were also infected in a superspreader gathering. Sen. Tillis then participated in Barrett’s hearings without a mask.

Senators Graham, Ernst and Tillis become the first sitting senators added to GLAAD’s Trump Accountability Project, an ongoing compilation of anti-LGBTQ policies and rhetoric from President Trump, his administration and staff, and now, his supporters in the U.S. Senate.

Senators Graham and Ernst, with fellow Senate Judiciary Committee members Marsha Blackburn, Josh Hawley, Mike Lee and Ben Sasse, also signed briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court to defend a taxpayer-funded agency’s right to discriminate against qualified LGBTQ couples from becoming foster parents. The case, Fulton v City of Philadelphia, will be heard by the Supreme Court next week, November 4, the day after Election Day. The Trump Administration also filed a 35-page amicus brief supporting the agency’s right to discriminate.

About GLAAD:

GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.