Washington D.C. – Following the news that retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor has died, People For the American Way President Svante Myrick released the following statement:
“Justice O’Connor was a generational trailblazer who opened doors as the first woman on the United States Supreme Court. People For the American Way respects Justice O’Connor for a legacy that includes supportive votes for reproductive and LGBTQ rights in an earlier era. While we did not always agree with Justice O’Connor’s rulings, we are also acutely aware of the sobering truth that she represented a rapidly shrinking constituency, the moderate Republicans who have been nearly obliterated by MAGA extremism. Regrettably, Justice O’Connor was succeeded on the Court by Samuel Alito. This changed the balance of the Court and created a hard-right majority that has been stripping Americans of their rights and freedoms. Our thoughts are with Justice O’Connor’s family and we wish them peace and the comfort of her memory. She was and will remain an icon.”
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About People For the American Way People For the American Way, a national progressive advocacy organization, inspires and mobilizes community and cultural leaders to advance Truth, Justice and the American Way. We convene courageous Americans, produce compelling media and organize campaigns to defend our democracy from authoritarian threats and advance America’s promise that everyone will enjoy freedom, safety and a vote that counts. Learn more: http://www.pfaw.org