DENVER, CO – The Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Violence (CCASA) calls upon the public to oppose the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for the next Supreme Court Justice seat. We encourage all lawmakers, at every level, to come together and voice their support for survivors by publicly opposing this nomination. Furthermore, we strongly urge U.S. Senators to vote “no” during his confirmation. Based on the immense power granted to Supreme Court Justices and Kavanaugh’s precedent as a Circuit Judge, we are adamantly opposed to considering this nomination for the highest court in the country.
As a Justice, Kavanaugh would be detrimental to the safety of vulnerable communities. His nomination has raised opposition from advocates and activists nationwide regarding LGBTQIA rights, reproductive rights, tribal sovereignty rights, and immigration rights.
We are particularly concerned with his judicial history, especially Kavanaugh’s dissent in the 2017 Jane Doe case where he advocated against the bodily autonomy of a detained minor who was fleeing an abusive family in her home country, to access a legal abortion in full compliance with Texas law, where she was being held by immigration authorities. The implications of his decisions are harmful for survivors of sexual assault, who deserve to make decisions about their bodies.
Kavanaugh’s interpretation of the law has proven to be paternalistic and partial. We know that people of color, indigenous communities, immigrants, people who identify as LGBTQIA, and people with disabilities are targeted and experience sexual and domestic violence at much higher rates. We recognize that we cannot prevent sexual violence without addressing other forms of oppression that value some lives above others. We refuse to remain silent as the possibility of a prejudicial nominee is reviewed for the Supreme Court. We commit to working with all marginalized groups to create change within our society and institutions in solidarity against any threat to their access to fair laws and safety.
We call on our partners and supporters to show survivors that protecting the intersections of their lives is a crucial part of advocating against violence in our state. Please demand accountability from your legislators and take action to oppose the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court of the United States of America.
###