Lambda Legal Statement on Judge John G. Roberts and Romer v. Evans

(New York, August 4, 2005)-– Lambda Legal’s Executive Director, Kevin Cathcart responds to news reports regarding John Roberts’ involvement while an attorney at the law firm Hogan & Hartson in Romer v. Evans.

“Today there are news stories of John G. Roberts’ involvement in the landmark case Romer v. Evans. In that case the U.S. Supreme Court struck down an amendment to the Colorado Constitution that sought to prohibit the enactment of any and all legal protections against antigay discrimination in that state. Hogan & Hartson, a large law firm which employed Roberts at the time, was part of the legal team that challenged the discriminatory amendment.

“As is often the case in lawsuits of this magnitude, many lawyers and law firms participated in the Romer litigation. Lawyers in firms are often called on to play roles to support their firm’s work; the work is routine and as here, often goes without notice. This information, along with his much more extensive advocacy of positions that we oppose continues to raise significant questions for us. A primary issue for us is to what degree, if any, this work reflects on the judicial philosophy Judge Roberts would bring to the Supreme Court. This is one more piece that will be added to the puzzle in the vetting of John Roberts’ nomination.”

###

Lisa Hardaway 212-809-8585 ext.266; Cell: 402-369-2104 Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work.