National
Stonewall Democrats Decries Republican Advancement of Anti-Gay Nominee
Specter’s Support Allows Full Vote on William Pryor Despite Democratic
Efforts
National
Stonewall Democrats, July 23, 2003
Contact: John Marble
(202) 625-1382 johnmarble@stonewalldemocrats.org
WASHINGTON, DC—National Stonewall Democrats
applauded Senate Democrats today for attempting to stop a Republican-led
effort to advance the judicial nomination of anti-gay Alabama Attorney General
William Pryor. Pryor was nominated by President Bush to the 11th Circuit Court
of Appeals, based in Atlanta. The nominee has a strong history of anti-gay
rhetoric and activism, and has been opposed by numerous lgbt groups. In a 10-9
party-line vote today, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to place Pryor’s
nomination before the full Senate—an action that Democrats had tried to
avoid.
“President Bush’s nomination of Pryor is offensive,” said Dave Noble,
NSD Executive Director. “Senator Specter, and his fellow Republicans, should
be ashamed that they think so little of our community that they would allow
this nomination to proceed.”
Pryor’s nomination would have died in committee today if not for the
crucial vote of Republican Senator Arlen Specter (PA). Specter, who is often
used as a model, pro-gay Republican, decided at the last minute to send the
Pryor nomination to the Senate floor. Although Democrats have not announced
that they will filibuster the vote, that action now appears more likely.
Pryor has compared homosexuality to pedophilia, necrophilia, prostitution,
incest and adultery. Pryor has been accused of using the office of the Alabama
Attorney General to attack homosexuality. He also linked his official state
website to anti-gay groups. Pryor also authored a strongly-worded amicus brief
in the “Lawrence and Garner v. Texas” case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
In it, Pryor argued for the upholding of state sodomy laws and the jailing of
those involved in same-sex relationships.
Numerous lgbt groups, including Republican organizations, have opposed the
Pryor nomination. National Stonewall Democrats has been working with its local
chapters to contact Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee
regarding this matter.
National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay,
lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 70 local chapters
across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to
advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender
identity.
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