News From The Week Of October 5 – October 9, 2020

Friend,

We are just days away from the beginning of the Senate’s confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett. While the rest of the Senate has canceled official business due to a COVID-19 outbreak among its members and Trump is refusing to debate virtually, the Senate Judiciary Committee has opted to hold these hearings – for a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land – via Zoom.

Six million Americans have already cast their votes in the current presidential election. Instead of letting their voices be heard on this monumental decision, the Senate is rushing a process that could define the Court’s stance on religious freedom for generations to come.

As if to deliberately underscore just how much is at stake, Justices Alito and Thomas penned a statement on Monday ([link removed]) that took aim at Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 case that legalized marriage equality nationwide. They painted it as a threat to religious freedom. Barrett has also criticized this ruling in the past, a stance which tracks with her close ties to anti-LGBTQ organizations like Alliance Defending Freedom.

You can read our full report on what’s at stake if Amy Coney Barrett is confirmed to the Supreme Court here: [link removed]

Our team is working with our allies to mobilize opposition across the country and behind the scenes on Capitol Hill to ensure the separation of religion and government remains a core part of this debate. Your voice, and your enduring support, are a crucial part of this effort.

Please follow our updates on Facebook ([link removed]), Twitter ([link removed]), and Instagram ([link removed]) as the confirmation hearings unfold next week. And thank you for being with us at such a historic moment for the future of church-state separation.

In solidarity,

Rachel K. Laser
President and CEO

The Problem With Amy Coney Barrett Is Her Record, Not Her Religion:
Barrett has been the subject of legitimate criticism for her stance on policy issues. It’s entirely appropriate to examine her record on any number of issues that could come before the Supreme Court.
READ MORE » [link removed]

Scaling A New Summit: AU's Advocacy Meeting Was A Big Success:
We had over 800 people tune in representing 39 states plus the District of Columbia! Representatives from 14 ally groups – from the ACLU to the NAACP to the National Coalition for Transgender Equality to Muslim Advocates – all took the time and made the effort to be panelists.
READ MORE » [link removed]

Marriage Equality May Be At Stake At The Supreme Court:
Remember, the Obergefell v. Hodges decision upholding marriage equality was a 5-4 ruling, and two of the justices in the majority (Anthony Kennedy and Ruth Bader Ginsburg) are no longer on the court.
READ MORE » [link removed]

Christian Nationalists’ Rejection Of Science Is Exactly What We Don’t Need Right Now:
The decision by Christian nationalists to reject clear and compelling scientific evidence has consequences. When people attend large religious gatherings without taking any sensible precautions such as wearing masks and engaging in social distancing, they can become infected and then later spread the sickness in their larger communities.
READ MORE » [link removed]

Like Us On Facebook: [link removed]

Follow Us On Twitter: [link removed]

Follow us On Instagram: [link removed]

Copyright © 2020
Americans United for Separation of Church and State
1310 L Street NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC xxxxxx
www.au.org

unsubscribe: [link removed]
Update your information: [link removed]
Privacy policy: www.au.org/about/privacy-policy
Donate: [link removed]