Day One: Focus on Fundamental Freedoms Must Take Shape during Question-and-Answer Session

"Tomorrow, John Roberts, President Bush's nominee to Chief Justice of the United States, has an opportunity to give the public clear and direct responses to essential questions on fundamental freedoms, such as the constitutionally protected right to privacy. But will Americans get the straight answers they deserve? A troubling theme emerging from today's remarks included a number of anti-choice senators seemingly laying the groundwork for Roberts to evade or refuse to answer questions.

"This is inappropriate and contrary to the very purpose of these hearings. The debate must not focus on what questions Roberts can avoid answering. The American people want Roberts to give clear and candid answers on whether he believes the Constitution includes protection for our privacy. They want to hear more from the man who, if confirmed, would become the most powerful judge in the nation. Roberts must explain why he dismissed a fundamental liberty as the "so-called 'right to privacy.'" He must explain why he co-wrote a legal brief that called for Roe v. Wade to be overruled. A recent USA Today poll found that 61% of Americans think senators should insist Roberts explain his views on abortion before confirming him.

"Our grassroots network and online advocacy efforts have already generated nearly 133,000 email messages to the Senate opposing Roberts' nomination. They, like all Americans, cherish personal freedoms and the right to privacy and deserve to know whether Roberts shares their values. The only way we find out is if he directly answers the question."

Contact:
Ted Miller, 202.973.3032