NOW Urges Senate to Block Owen Nomination: The Sequel

May 1, 2003

"Today, Senate Democrats have taken the first step to block another extremist Bush judicial nominee," said National Organization for Women (NOW) President Kim Gandy. "Texas Supreme Court Justice Priscilla Owen was rejected in 2002—but Bush put her nomination forward again in blatant disregard of the Senate's advice and consent role."

"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." For example, Owen supports "stricter interpretation" of the state law that Bush signed requiring women younger than 18 to inform their parents before obtaining an abortion.

"Owen's penchant for judicial activism may have earned her two nominations from Bush, 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 those senators who have held strong in their commitment to oppose unworthy Bush nominees," 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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