Washington, DC (EGCM) Lesbian and gay activists are studying the record of
Supreme Court nominee Ruth Bader Ginsburg to determine if she will be counted
as a supporter of equal rights for lesbian and gay Americans.  If confirmed by
the Senate, Ginsburg would take the seat of Justice Byron White, the
conservative jurist who wrote the Court's Hardwick decision supporting the
constitutionality of sodomy laws.
 
Ginsburg has a reputation as a centrist, although her record prior to her
appointment to the Appeals Court was as an attorney who brought several
landmark women's rights cases to the U.S. Supreme Court.  While her record in
support of women's rights is well known, her stand on lesbian and gay issues
is less clear.
 
"We are concerned about Judge Ginsburg's positions on issues of importance to
our community," says Tim McFeeley, Executive Director of the Human Rights
Campaign Fund. "During the next several weeks, we will be conducting a serious
study of Judge Ginsburg's record, speaking with those who know her and working
with our allies in the Senate to clarify her views," McFeeley said.
 
The Campaign Fund is preparing an in depth analysis of Judge Ginsburg's
opinions on cases affecting lesbian and gay rights.  "We want to have some
experts examine Judge Ginsburg's views and then prepare a letter to our
friends in the Senate," McFeeley said. Ginsburg's views may be examined in
public Judiciary Committee hearings or in off the record meetings with members
of the Senate during the next several weeks.
 
"We hope that the Senate will explore Judge Ginsburg's views on the
constitutionality of privacy when she appears before them for confirmation,"
McFeeley stated.  A particular case that came before the Appeals Court in 1984
has raised questions among activists.  In Droneburg v. Zech, Ginsburg voted
with the majority on a panel that refused to grant a rehearing to a sailor
discharged for homosexual conduct.  "There is some debate as to why Judge
Ginsburg voted against a rehearing," McFeeley said.  "We want to get as clear
an understanding as possible of her views on the issue."
 
Supporters of Judge Ginsburg in the lesbian and gay community are coming
forward to provide background information to allay concerns.  Barbara Flagg, a
law professor at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, worked as a
clerk to Judge Ginsburg in the 1980's.  Judge Ginsburg, she said, "is
generally moderate, but her commitment to equality is not."  Flagg, who is a
lesbian, states that "if she is confirmed, our rights will be more secure than
they are today."
 
For more information contact:  Gregory King; The Human Rights Campaign Fund;
1012 14th Street NW #607; Washington, DC  20005; Voice 202-628-4160; Fax
202-347-5323; BBS 202-639-8735.  Be sure to mention in your correspondencethat
you heard of this through The Electronic Gay Community Magazine.m