FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2020

CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202-417-0171

Questions About Separation of Religion and Government Not Only Important, But Necessary in SCOTUS Confirmation Process

WASHINGTON — Following the first day of Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearings, Katy Joseph, director of policy and advocacy for Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:

In just the first day of confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett, it became evident that Republican members of the committee are attempting to weaponize Judge Coney Barrett’s faith for partisan gain through repeated allegations of anti-Catholic bias.

There is no religious test for office, nor is it reasonable to expect that politicians and judges leave their personal beliefs at the door. However, the Constitution is abundantly clear that public officials must refrain from using their office to enforce their personal religious beliefs on others. There is an explicit attempt here from Republicans in the Senate Judiciary Committee to neutralize genuine concerns about Judge Coney Barrett’s record by ginning up false outrage — despite their Democratic counterparts not once mentioning her religious beliefs.

Through past decisions, statements and writings, it is evident that Judge Coney Barrett’s willingness to impose her religious beliefs on others motivates much of her judicial philosophy. Questions about her commitment to the separation of religion and government are not only important — they are wholly necessary to a fair and robust confirmation process.

If you are interested in speaking further with Katy, please contact Manisha Sunil at msunil@westendstrategy.com or (202) 417-0171.


Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.