Lambda Legal Statement Clarifying Its Position on Judge Alito in Response to New York Times Article

(New York, November 11, 2005) – In response to a New York Times article indicating Lambda Legal’s purported support for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito Jr. Lambda Legal issued this statement:

New York Times article excerpt dated November 11, 2005:

“David J. Stoll, the former Alito clerk who now works with Lambda Legal, said that like Justice O’Connor, Judge Alito would not bring any ideological agenda to cases. ‘I think he is fantastic,’ Mr. Stoll said.”

Statement by Jon Davidson, Legal Director at Lambda Legal:

“While we certainly are fortunate to have the support of many talented donors, pro-bono attorneys and cooperating attorneys, none of them speaks to the position of Lambda Legal on this matter. Mr. Stoll is not a member of our staff or board of directors, and his personal or professional opinions are his own and not those of Lambda Legal.

“We are weighing carefully all of the information we have been able to gather about Judge Alito and have not yet taken a position on his nomination. Lambda Legal firmly believes that a strong commitment to equality and fairness for all Americans is a core qualification for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. Legal intellect, experience and independence are necessary, but not sufficient.

“Our guiding principle as we examine nominees to the Supreme Court is that parties involved in civil rights claims are entitled to a level playing field when they appear before the Court. The Constitution requires this and it is every justice’s responsibility to make this promise a reality.”

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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.