FRC Praises Senate for Rejecting Religious Test, Confirming Amy Barrett to 7th Circuit Court of Appeals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2017
CONTACT: J.P. Duffy or Alice Chao, (866) FRC-NEWS or (866)-372-6397

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Amy Barrett for the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, along with seven other senators spoke out yesterday in support of Amy Barrett ahead of the confirmation vote.Senator Dianne Feinstein, during Barrett's confirmation hearing, questioned whether Barrett would be able to perform her duties as circuit court judge because Barrett was a practicing Catholic. Feinstein was quoted commenting to Barrett, "the dogma lives loudly within you."

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins commented on Barrett's confirmation:

"We commend the U.S. Senate for confirming Amy Barrett today and by doing so, the U.S. Senate roundly rejected the unconstitutional idea that Americans should be forced to choose between their faith and public service, even as a judge. Amy Barrett did not waiver in the face of Senator Feinstein's open hostility toward her faith and the American people quickly rallied to her defense.

"As a country based on the rule of law, we need judges who will impartially and fairly apply the law, not craft it according to their ideology or political views. If Feinstein were not biased in her opinions, she would have seen the very writings she used to criticize Ms. Barrett clearly demonstrate that she will adhere to the rule of law, and fairly and neutrally decide the cases before her. The president is doing his job nominating sound judges who will do their job and not engage in activism. The Senate, despite Democrat obstructionism, rightfully confirmed Amy Barrett," Perkins concluded.

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