Official Statement from Mormon Women for Ethical Government Before the Vote on the Confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh as a Justice to the Supreme Court

October 4, 2018

As the Senate prepares to vote on the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, we implore its members to carefully weigh the totality of factors involved in this confirmation process. Those factors include not only the actions and character of Judge Kavanaugh but also the damage that a compromised process will do to our collective faith in our institutions. At risk is the legitimacy of the Supreme Court, the civic health of our country, and the confidence of sexual assault victims that they will receive equal justice under the law.

The members of the Senate are now tasked with the solemn duty of fairly weighing the available evidence and testimony. If they believe Judge Kavanaugh may have committed sexual assault, he should not be confirmed. Moreover, if they believe Judge Kavanaugh has lied or deceived the Senate and the public in his sworn testimony, he should not be confirmed. Most importantly, the Senate should adhere to the basic standard that Supreme Court justices must be impartial and independent, with a rational and judicious temperament and a commitment to fairness.

Moving forward, we urge the President and the Senate to prioritize impartiality over ideology and character over politics in the nomination and confirmation of judges. As the guardian of our laws and defender of government ethics, the Judiciary must remain uncompromised by open and bitter partisanship. We call upon Senators on both sides of the aisle to set aside partisan warfare as they conduct their constitutional duty to seat judges of the highest character and caliber who respect the law both professionally and personally.

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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.