Kacsmaryk Confirmation to be US District Court Judge Marks a New Low in the Battle to Impose Extreme Right Wing Nominees on Federal Courts

June 17, 2019, Washington, DC – The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today expressed its extreme dismay at the confirmation of Matthew Kacsmaryk to a lifetime seat on the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Jody Rabhan, NCJW’s director of government relations and advocacy, released the following statement:

“Matthew Kacsmaryk has a horrendous record of outspoken bigotry directed at LGBTQ people. As deputy general counsel of First Liberty Institute, he led its campaign to undermine marriage equality, discredit and disparage transgender individuals, and expunge legal protections against discrimination that currently cover LGBTQ individuals. He believes trans people are delusional in their perception of their identity and that the assertion of marriage equality is an attack on marriage generally. He erroneously cites ‘religious freedom’ to justify his attack on the Affordable Care Act’s protections against gender identity and sex stereotyping discrimination.

“That Kacsmaryk will have a platform from which to impose such beliefs on anyone who comes before his court marks a grievous violation of the responsibility of the Senate to confirm only those nominees committed to equal protection of the laws. It is shameful that the Senate would confirm such a nominee anytime, let alone during Pride Month when we honor the LGBTQ community. For the sake of our courts and our rights, the Senate must do better.”

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.