May 31, 2019
Dear Senators:
On behalf of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC), I am writing to urge you to oppose the confirmation of Matthew Kacsmaryk to a lifetime position as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.
It is unusual for RCRC to take a position on a lower court nominee. Matthew Kacsmaryk’s record of hostility to LGBTQ and reproductive rights is so extreme that we are compelled to speak out, concerned by the threat he would pose to hard-fought constitutional rights.
RCRC is a broad-based, national, interfaith movement that brings the moral force of religion to protect and advance reproductive health, choice, rights and justice through education, prophetic witness, pastoral presence and advocacy.
RCRC believes strongly in the vision of a democracy that is inclusive and is committed to upholding the dignity and worth of every person. RCRC stands by values shared by many faiths — that we are all equal in the eyes of God and divinely endowed with free will.
Matthew Kacsmaryk represents the antithesis of these values. In writings, speeches, and actions throughout his career, he has denigrated the rights and dignity of LGBTQ people and of women as moral decision makers.
According to a report by the Alliance for Justice, Kacsmaryk believes that LGBTQ rights and women’s reproductive rights stem from the “radical” and “libertine” sexual revolution. He has criticized the Roe v. Wade decision, opposed the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive provision, and played a lead role opposing a Washington state law that requires pharmacies to stock birth control.
Kacsmaryk has vehemently opposed marriage equality, supporting the Kentucky official who violated a federal court order by refusing to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple. He has advocated against state laws that protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination and has called transgender people “delusional.”
Matthew Kacsmaryk’s extreme views and record are not consistent with respect for human dignity and rights. For these reasons, we urge you to oppose his confirmation to a lifetime seat on the federal court.
Thank you,
Rev. Katey Zeh
Interim Executive Director