The President's nomination of Judge Alito was made with the consultation of a close group of anti-gay activists bent on using judicial activism to tear American families apart," said Eric Stern, NSD Executive Director. "The White House has failed to present any evidence that Alito, as a Supreme Court Justice, will operate free from the corruptive strings of the special interest groups that pressed for his nomination."

In October, news reports revealed that the selection of Judge Alito was approved by anti-gay activists at the request of the White House. Specifically, it was confirmed that the Concerned Women for America, a radical anti-gay organization, was contacted by the White House to solicit their approval for the nomination. "Alito and Luttig have always been at the top of our list. We think either of them would be a supreme pick. There isn't a thing stealthy about them. They've got a long, proven record," Janet LaRue of the Concerned Women for America told the Washington Post.

"Stonewall is opposing the confirmation of Judge Alito because his record demonstrates a predisposition to eroding long-settled constitutional rights, promoting the establishment of religion and a turning a blind eye towards the conservative brand of morality," said Stern.

Judge Alito currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, based in Philadelphia. On that court, Alito is often the lone dissenter from opinions of the majority. As a U.S. Attorney, Alito was nominated to serve on the court by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. His judicial philosophy is often described by legal experts as ideologically conservative, and in the mold of Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia.

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National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

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