Dear Senator,

(Your chapter or organization name here) unequivocally opposes the nomination of John G. Roberts to the office of Chief Justice of the United States. On behalf of our members in (your city or state) I strongly urge you to vote against this nominee. If he is seated in this leadership role and his votes on the Supreme Court match his long record of writings and opinions, women=s rights, civil rights and fundamental freedoms will be set back for decades.

Our opposition to Judge Roberts is based on his statements and record on a number of issues related to women's equality, disability rights, civil rights, affirmative action and privacy rights. To confirm John G. Roberts as the leader of our third branch of government - equal in power to the President and Congressional majority leaders - will install as our leading jurist someone who has a record of disdain and hostility for many aspects of our fundamental rights.

We do not come to this opposition lightly. There are numerous and disturbing facts that have led to (your organization)'s opposition to this nominee. Judge Roberts' recently-released comments on pay equity, homemakers-turned-lawyers, the Equal Protection clause of the Constitution, affirmative action and many others indicate a cavalier attitude toward economic justice and equal rights for women. During his career, Roberts has argued to restrict Title IX, the equal education law for women and girls, and to limit the protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act. He has objected strenuously to federal affirmative action programs, disparaged the landmark Violence Against Women Act, fought efforts to make the Voting Rights Act more effective, and has been an active proponent of "states' rights" over basic federal civil rights and protections.

When the federal government has moved to protect or expand civil and individual rights, Roberts has frequently objected; however, when the federal government has sought to limit our rights, Roberts has been supportive, especially where restrictions on reproductive rights are concerned. As Deputy Solicitor General, Roberts filed an amicus curiae brief in NOW's case against Operation Rescue and other violent blockaders, supporting mob tactics and blockades of legitimate health clinics, effectively denying women's rights to safety and legal health care. Roberts twice argued that position in front of the Supreme Court.

Our members and supporters live, work, and raise families as well as advocate, educate and organize for women's equality right here in (your town or state). We demand a balanced and just Supreme Court, and the women of this state and this country deserve no less. The hard won rights of so many disenfranchised communities, including women and people of color, the LGBT community, people with disabilities, the young and the old, hang in the balance. John G. Roberts is no moderate, nor is he an advocate for fairness and justice. We urge you to vote no on this nominee for the sake of women, children, families, democracy and the future of our nation.

Sincerely,

(your name)
(your title)