September 28, 2018

The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, today called on the full Senate to reject Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Earlier today, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted in favor of that nomination, despite serious allegations of sexual assault and after a contentious hearing yesterday during which a survivor of sexual assault, Dr. Christine Ford, testified against Kavanaugh.

In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:

“As an American Muslim woman and a civil rights lawyer, I have been appalled by this entire process and yesterday’s hearing. Dr. Ford is a hero for coming forward as a sexual assault survivor and sharing her story. She has fulfilled her civic duty and it is our turn now. An appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court is an incredible privilege, one that empowers a person to impact the American people for generations. Both of my senators voted against Kavanaugh’s nomination in the Senate Judiciary Committee this morning and I will continue to urge them to vote no when his nomination is brought up before the full Senate.”

In a statement, CAIR National Board Chair Roula Allouch said:

“A lifelong appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court is a privilege and a duty, not a right. Based on Judge Kavanaugh’s overtly partisan and belligerent performance at yesterday’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, and on the credible accusations of sexual misconduct, we urge the full Senate to reject his nomination. The Senate should instead confirm a new nominee who has the temperament and neutrality necessary to pass judgment on the weightiest issues facing our nation now and for decades to come.”

CAIR also joined the American Bar Association, the largest national organization of lawyers, in urging the Senate to call for a renewed FBI investigation of the allegations against Kavanaugh.

SEE: American Bar Association: Kavanaugh’s Confirmation is “Simply Too Important to Rush”

ACTION REQUESTED: Those concerned about Kavanaugh’s confirmation may contact the Senate using a previous CAIR action alert on his nomination

The Washington-based civil rights organization has reported an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president.