Dear Senator:

The National Organization for Women urges you to oppose confirmation of John Ashcroft as attorney general.  Sen. Ashcroft has revealed throughout a long career his commitment to an extremist agenda that opposes the advancement of women's equal rights, seeks to end women's reproductive rights, supports continued denial of equal rights to lesbians and gay men, stands against sensible gun control, and would seriously weaken civil rights and voting rights laws.

We do not have confidence in Sen. Ashcroft's assertions that he will uphold the Constitution and enforce the law of the land diligently and equally. We do not find credible Sen. Ashcroft's explanations for opposition to confirmation of Judge Ronnie White and Ambassador James Hormel. We are convinced that the nominee, if confirmed, will use the powers of this high office to advance his personal political and religious ideology.

Most clearly, Sen. Ashcroft has not demonstrated the commitment to equal justice that an attorney general must have. Our specific concerns about this nominee are, as follows:

*We are concerned that Sen. Ashcroft as attorney general would fail to effectively enforce the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, thereby endangering the lives of doctors, clinic personnel and their patients. Inaction on the part of the attorney general would further encourage clinic terrorists who murder and maim doctors, patients and clinic personnel.

 *We believe that Sen. Ashcroft would utilize the office of attorney general as a powerful platform to further advance the campaign of harassment and debasement of women who seek to control their own reproductive lives. This push to reverse a century of gains in women's reproductive health care, threatens progress toward full equality for women and the strength of our nation’s families.

 *We doubt that John Ashcroft would vigorously carry out national policy to combat violence against women and would undermine highly effective programs under the Violence Against Women Act which have reduced the incidence of violence between partners by 20% over the last six years since its enactment.

 *We are certain that John Ashcroft would not provide necessary leadership to stop the tide of vicious hate crimes against women, lesbians and gay men, people of color, ethnic and religious minorities, and people with disabilities.  An expanded role of technical assistance and federal funding to aid local law enforcement agencies is absolutely essential in countering hate crimes.

 *We believe that John Ashcroft would not enforce the Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban and that more women and children will lose their lives as a result.

 *We do not believe that Sen. Ashcroft would seek balance on, and the elimination of racism, sexism and homophobia from, appointments to the federal bench. We believe that he would promote judicial candidates who reflect his own extremist views, rather than fairness in the administration of justice.

 *We fear an era of heightened racism and discrimination under an Attorney General Ashcroft who would narrowly interpret civil rights and voting rights laws and eliminate affirmative action to thwart implementation of equal opportunity laws.

Thank you for the opportunity to share our views.

Sincerely,

Patricia Ireland
President