Unitarian Universalist Association Opposes Alito Nomination as Threat to Civil Liberties
December 12, 2005
The Unitarian Universalist Association today announced its opposition to the confirmation of Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court. The religious association’s opposition is based on concerns over civil liberties, including religious liberty, the right to privacy, and due process. The Rev. William G. Sinkford, President of the UUA said, “Unitarian Universalists have always honored our commitment to uphold civil liberties. Protecting the freedoms that are at the heart of our democracy is for us a religious, as well as a civic, duty.”
The UUA has never before opposed the confirmation of a nominee to the Supreme Court. In a statement issued to over 1000 congregations that make up the Association, the UUA’s Washington Office for Advocacy Director Rob Keithan said:
“The decision to take a position on a judicial nominee is not one the UUA takes up lightly. The nomination of Judge Samuel Alito Jr. is significantly different from that of Chief Justice John Roberts or Harriet Miers, in that he has an extensive judicial record that clearly reveals his judicial philosophy on a wide range of issues. After extensive research, Unitarian Universalist Association staff agreed that Judge Alito’s rulings revealed a pattern of views that were outside the mainstream and hostile to established precedent favoring civil liberties.”
Unitarian Universalists have a long history of support for civil liberties and civil rights. The Unitarian Universalist Association believes that the nation’s judiciary should protect the rights of all people, regardless of gender, religion, class, sexual orientation, immigration status, or other factors.
The UUA joins other religious and civil rights groups including the Union for Reform Judaism in opposing the nomination of Judge Alito. In a previous statement, Mr. Keithan stated, “The Unitarian Universalist Association and our allies will continue to challenge conservative religious fundamentalists and others who claim to speak for all people of faith. There is no single religious perspective on this or any other issue. We hope that all parties involved in the nominations process, including advocacy groups and elected officials, will refrain from using religion as a political weapon. There should be no religious litmus test for judicial nominees, nor tactics that mislabel appropriate questions and concerns as ‘attacking’ a nominee’s faith.”
For more information contact infoatuuadotorg.
This work is made possible by the generosity of individual donors. Please consider making a donation today.
Last updated on Tuesday, May 24, 2011.
Updated and Popular
Popular New Searches
For Newcomers
Learn more about the Beliefs & Principles of Unitarian Universalism, or read our online magazine, UU World, for features on today's Unitarian Universalists. Visit an online UU church, or find a congregation near you.
