Official Statement From Mormon Women for Ethical Government in Response to Today’s Testimonies from Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Judge Brett Kavanaugh

September 27, 2018

Today we heard two credible witnesses offer contradictory testimonies. In his final remarks, Senate Judiciary Committee member Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) said the following:

“The process is imperfect, but it’s the best the Judiciary Committee can do. . . . In the end there is likely to be as much doubt as certainty going out of this room today.”

The Judiciary Committee can, in fact, do better. They are the body charged with determining the fitness of a nominee, and this is within their power. We continue to maintain that an independent investigation must explore these very serious allegations levied against Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Committee member Senator Coons (D-Delaware) suggested a one-week pause before the vote while the FBI background check on Judge Kavanaugh is reopened. This should satisfy those who claim the Democrats are merely wanting to delay the vote unnecessarily. If Judge Kavanaugh is indeed innocent of these charges, as he persists in claiming that he is, then he should welcome an independent investigation that could clear his name.

We have very specifically urged the four members of the committee who share our faith as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Senator Hatch, Senator Crapo, Senator Lee, and Senator Flake—to ensure that every attempt be made to ascertain the truth of the situation. Yet it appears the Senate Judiciary Committee may be moving forward with a vote on Friday morning without further investigation.

If this happens, we believe Senator Flake is correct that, without further independent investigation, there will always be doubt as to Judge Kavanaugh’s character and judgment. We, therefore, urge the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to vote against moving this confirmation forward.

This doubt would follow Judge Kavanaugh through his tenure as a lifetime member of the court and will have significant repercussions on the public’s confidence in the legitimacy of his judicial opinions, particularly those that specifically concern women. We believe it is imperative that we protect the integrity of both the court and the process. No one—of any political party—should want less, particularly when it is still within the hands of the Republican majority to confirm a more suitable replacement.

At the same time, we also boldly declare that revelations of sexual misconduct should not be strategically employed by politicians for political purposes. Elected officials of all parties and ideological persuasions should value sexual ethics for their inherent importance and not for their utility in attacking political opponents.

At some point someone leaked Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s letter against her will and despite promises of confidentiality made to her; this was deeply unethical. However, that should not be used to discredit the testimony of Dr. Blasey Ford in and of itself. Nor does the willingness of some politicians to use her allegation for political purposes mean these allegations themselves should not be treated with utmost seriousness and investigated thoroughly.

We reaffirm our belief that sexual assault must not be normalized or condoned in any way or by anyone, especially those in positions of leadership or influence. We expect our civic leaders to demand the highest standards of behavior from those who wish to attain the highest positions of power. We must ensure beyond any doubt that only those with exceptional and unassailable character and judgment are permitted to wield the power and privileges inherent in the highest offices in the land.

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Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG) is a nonpartisan group of over 6,000 women dedicated to the ideals of decency, honor, accountability, transparency, and justice in governing. MWEG is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Photo courtesy Alpha Stock Images.