The UUA denounces Brett Kavanaugh’s Confirmation to the Supreme Court

We believe Professor Anita Hill.

We believe Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.

We believe survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment.

Because we believe survivors, we cannot be silent about the profound harm in confirming Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

The Senate’s decision to confirm Kavanaugh is an affront to every survivor of sexual harassment and assault. His confirmation tells survivors that their pain and trauma do not matter. How can survivors believe in justice when sexual assault is normalized by our elected leaders?

Although we are profoundly disappointed with this confirmation, we are not shocked.

Kavanaugh’s confirmation mirrors the unapologetic toxic masculinity of this political moment and the Trump administration. President Trump openly mocked Dr. Ford after her testimony, which isn’t surprising considering cavalier remarks he has made about women and sexual assault.

In response to this confirmation, and the blatant sexism and toxic masculinity it represents, we know it is time, first, to mourn and recharge. This confirmation process has been extremely triggering for many survivors, and we encourage survivors to listen to their spirits that may be calling for care.

Those of us who are are not survivors, but allies, commit to making space for your pain.

We will mourn.

And then, we will resist.

We will join with the many organizations led by women, non-binary people, and people of color who believe in a world that doesn’t support sexist leadership.

We will partner with the faith leaders and spiritual communities who believe our collective healing from cycles of abuse and trauma can set us free.

We will continue to advocate for sex education that normalizes consent and body autonomy.

We believe a new way is possible.

We believe in world where consent is the norm, not the exception. A world where governments believe and protect survivors of assault. A world where women, children, and non-binary people are safe.

Despite Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court, we still believe a world without toxic masculinity is possible.

And we commit to do our part to make it so.