Judge Samuel Alito

The Supreme Court of the United States

UUA Calls for Action on Eve of Alito Supreme Court Vote

(January 23, 2006) - When the UUA announced its opposition to the confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito to the US Supreme Court, we pledged to “use the Union for Reform Judaism's policy in relation to the confirmation hearings , which is that we have ample evidence to oppose now, and we will continue to do so unless the hearings manage to bring forth information which allays our concerns.”

As predicted, Judge Alito's testimony did not allay our concerns. In fact, Judge Alito affirmed his opinion that the strip-search of a mother and a 10 year old girl without a specific warrant to do so was legal; he did not distance himself from a long-troubling history in cases involving discrimination based on race, gender, and disability, as well as in cases involving people claiming rights under the First Amendment. He also refused to call Roe vs. Wade "settled law" or affirm support for a health exception in anti-abortion legislation.

Notably, several members of the Judiciary committee who supported the confirmation of (now Supreme Court Chief Justice) John Roberts have announced their opposition to Judge Alito, based largely on concerns that Judge Alito would not provide an effective check on presidential power.

As the full Senate prepares to vote on Alito's confirmation, the UUA Washington Office for Advocacy is encouraging interested Unitarian Universalists to participate in a national day of action on Thursday, January 26th. On the preceding day, the Rev. Calvin Dame, former UUA Board Member and minister of the UU Community Church of Augusta, ME, will join staff from the UUA Washington Office and other religious organizations on lobby visits organized by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. 

Interested Unitarian Universalists are encouraged to communicate their opposition to Judge Alito's confirmation with letters, phone calls, and emails as soon as possible. Let your Senators know that you're a Unitarian Universalist (and/or person of faith) who values civil liberties, and fears that Judge Alito's confirmation will undermine too many fundamental rights. For more information, see the Washington Office's Urgent Action Alert flyers for the national day of action as well as other materials helpful in making your voice heard!

Please note that the UUA does not represent or claim to represent the views of individual Unitarian Universalists or individual congregations, but the Association as a whole, as defined by statements approved by the General Assembly. Also, lobbying related to a nomination is an IRS-sanctioned activity for non-profits.

Additional Resources

• From the UUA's Washington Office: Tips on Effective Advocacy
• The 109th Congress: How Election 2004 Changed the Face of the US Congress
• Complete Coverage: UUA Opposition to Alito Confirmation

Unitarian Universalist Association
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