Lambda Legal & Human Rights Campaign Statements on Judge John G. Roberts and Romer v. Evans

Lambda Legal Statement on Judge John G. Roberts and Romer v. Evans

(New York, August 4, 2005)-– Lambda Legal’s Executive Director, Kevin Cathcart responds to news reports regarding John Roberts’ involvement while an attorney at the law firm Hogan & Hartson in Romer v. Evans.

“Today there are news stories of John G. Roberts’ involvement in the landmark case Romer v. Evans. In that case the U.S. Supreme Court struck down an amendment to the Colorado Constitution that sought to prohibit the enactment of any and all legal protections against antigay discrimination in that state. Hogan & Hartson, a large law firm which employed Roberts at the time, was part of the legal team that challenged the discriminatory amendment.

“As is often the case in lawsuits of this magnitude, many lawyers and law firms participated in the Romer litigation. Lawyers in firms are often called on to play roles to support their firm’s work; the work is routine and as here, often goes without notice. This information, along with his much more extensive advocacy of positions that we oppose continues to raise significant questions for us. A primary issue for us is to what degree, if any, this work reflects on the judicial philosophy Judge Roberts would bring to the Supreme Court. This is one more piece that will be added to the puzzle in the vetting of John Roberts’ nomination.”

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Lisa Hardaway 212-809-8585 ext.266; Cell: 402-369-2104 Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work.

For Immediate Release:
Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005
ROBERTS’ ROLE IN GAY CASE RE-EMPHASIZES NEED FOR FULL EXAMINATION

‘Judge Roberts’ involvement in the case is noteworthy, but his participation adds little to our understanding of how he would vote on the court,’ said HRC President Joe Solmonese.

WASHINGTON — Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese released the following statement today in response to a report in The Los Angeles Times that Supreme Court nominee John Roberts provided assistance to the plaintiffs in Romer v. Evans, the casethat overturned Colorado’s anti-gay Amendment 2 in 1996.

“Judge Roberts’ involvement in the case is noteworthy, but his participation adds little to our understanding of how he would vote on the court. The stakes are too high for guessing games over Judge Roberts’ stance.

“The Supreme Court makes critical decisions and it is the nominee’s job to guarantee that he will protect individual rights and freedoms on the nation’s highest court. Judge Roberts has consistently argued that as an attorney, he has zealously represented the interests of his client, no matter his personal views. Judge Roberts should make clear where he personally stands on important constitutional principles.

“It also remains unclear the extent of Roberts’ involvement in the case. In fact in a Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire Roberts is asked specifically about his pro bono work and he does not mention the case once in his 67-page response. The Senate Judiciary Committee should aggressively and appropriately determine the answers to these questions.”

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.




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