Yesterday marked the first day of the historic judicial confirmation hearings of an extremely qualified, Latina nominee for Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Honorable Sonia Sotomayor. Opening statements from the Senate Judiciary Committee leadership emphasized throughout the day Judge Sotomayor's respect for judicial precedent, while anti-choice protesters interrupted and were escorted out of the hearing.
Senator Diane Feinstein, one of only two female Senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee, highlighted the importance of protecting key rights of all individuals. Judge Sotomayor's "fidelity to the law" is the foundation of her judicial philosophy.
What this means for Latinas:
- The U.S. Supreme Court impacts the reproductive health and rights of Latinas. It is essential that any nominee to the Supreme Court upholds precedent and protects the right to privacy established in Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalized abortion.
- The contribution of a Latina and a woman's voice is long overdue and is demonstrated in this historic judicial nomination process.
- It is critical that a U.S. Supreme Court Justice protect the rights that promotes the dignity and well-being of our families and communities.
Today the Senator's questions begin and will allow us more insight to Judge Sotomayor's position on the scope of an individuals' right to privacy and upholding precedent to ensure the reproductive rights and liberties of all Latinas.
