Feminists Urge Prompt Action to Stop Pickering Nomination

March 7, 2002

"On the eve of International Women's Day, Senator Orrin Hatch delivered a low blow to civil rights and women's rights advocates who oppose the nomination of Charles Pickering, Sr.," said National Organization for Women (NOW) President Kim Gandy. NOW and other groups have publicly denounced the nomination of Pickering, citing his lack of judicial restraint and his longstanding opposition to women's rights, abortion rights and other civil rights.

"In addition to his ideological opposition to many basic civil rights, Judge Pickering has repeatedly issued decisions that were contrary to established law and precedent — demonstrating that he simply is not willing to apply the law of the land when it conflicts with his personal opinions or beliefs," continued Gandy.

"Desperate to salvage this nomination, Hatch has resorted to name-calling and personal attacks," Gandy said. In a public hearing today, Hatch referred to the opposition against the Pickering nomination as a form of "lynching."

"Not only is Hatch attacking those who disagree with him, but we've also heard rumors that Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott and the Bush Administration are wheeling and dealing behind the scenes to get their man on the Fifth Circuit no matter what." This is the second time that right-wing Senators have delayed a vote on Pickering.

"Maybe Lott and Hatch think no one will notice if they bypass the Judiciary Committee's expected rejection and bring the nomination to a full Senate vote. They're wrong. We are watching," Gandy said. "On behalf of millions of voters, NOW demands that the Senate Judiciary Committee take action immediately to vote down the Pickering nomination. Starting today, women's rights supporters in every state will be on the phone and online telling their senators that there is no place for Pickering's narrow-mindedness and bigotry on the federal appellate courts," Gandy said.

NOW launched a judicial justice project in January to keep close watch on Pickering and other Bush judicial nominations. "Bush nominees, if confirmed, will serve for life. They'll be on the bench for decades after Bush leaves office," Gandy said. "Pickering is only one in a long line of ultraconservatives hand-picked to reverse women's and other civil rights. And with all the circuits in conservative alignment, fewer bad decisions will even get a review by the Supreme Court. We need judges committed to justice for women, not ideologues dedicated to turning back the clock."

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For more information on NOW's judicial justice project or to schedule an interview with Gandy, please contact NOW's Media Relations Office at 202-628-8669, ext. 116.

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