Maine Senator Susan Collins cast the sole Republican vote against the confirmation of anti-LGBTQ White House lawyer Steven Menashi to become a judge on the New York-based 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals.
“Menashi,” say HRC President Alphonso David, “has made a career of promoting anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, and has used whatever platform he’s handed—from his college newspaper, to legal publications, to a seat at the table at the White House—to undermine our community’s fight for equality.”
Collins, reported The New York Times, joined Democrats in “criticizing Menashi’s record on a range of issues, including immigration, race, women’s equality and LGBTQ rights.”
According to the Times’ Nov. 14 report:
Collins said Menashi’s past writings, particularly about women, LGBTQ advocates and racial diversity, raise questions about whether he has the appropriate judicial temperament.
Collins, one of the most vulnerable GOP incumbents next year, said it was inappropriate for Menashi to refuse to answer questions about his work in the Trump administration during his confirmation hearing.
“His reluctance to answer questions about the family separation policy made it difficult for me to assess his record and impeded my constitutional duty to evaluate his fitness to serve as a judge,’’ she said in a statement. “After careful consideration … I do not believe he is well-suited to serve on the federal bench.”
“As a federal judge, Menashi will have the opportunity to rule on numerous cases addressing some of the most critical questions regarding equality, fundamental rights and access to justice,” said HRC’s president David.
“Such a position must be filled by a neutral arbiter with a demonstrated commitment to fairness, equality and the preservation of human dignity for all people. Steven Menashi falls far short of this basic threshold,” David said. “Menashi is not neutral, nor fit to be an arbiter and he has no place deciding the fates of people whose very personhood he will not protect.”
Despite Collins’ stand against him, Menashi was confirmed by the Senate in a 51-41 vote.
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