NOW Encourages Full Senate to Vote Down Owen Nomination

March 27, 2003

"Women's rights supporters are disappointed at the Senate Judiciary Committee's vote on the nomination of Priscilla Owen to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit," said National Organization for Women (NOW) President Kim Gandy. "This vote is an insult to every person who believes in a fair and independent judiciary." The ten Republicans on the Judiciary Committee voted to approve Owen's re-nomination, while the nine Democrats voted against.

Texas Supreme Court Justice Priscilla Owen, whose appointment was rejected by this committee last year, is one of George W. Bush's most controversial nominees for the federal bench. "We've seen Judge Owen use the courtroom to further her narrow beliefs and ideals, going so far as to virtually re-write laws rather than fairly interpret them," Gandy said. "The last thing the Fifth Circuit needs is more judges who can't leave their political ideologies at the door."

"Owen's penchant for judicial activism may have earned her two nominations from Bush to the Fifth Circuit, but it should not win her a seat on the Court of Appeals," Gandy said. "No matter how many times Bush nominates her, Priscilla Owen continues to be unfit for a lifetime seat on the court that is only one step below the Supreme Court."

"NOW thanks the brave senators who have held strong in their commitment to oppose other unworthy Bush nominees, such as Miguel Estrada," Gandy said. "Women's right supporters across the country encourage senators to continue taking their advice and consent power very seriously. The nomination of Priscilla Owen must not be approved by the full Senate."

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