Courts, and the judges that serve on them, matter immensely. This fact has been in the spotlight over the last few weeks as the Supreme Court goes through its 2020 term.
The Bostock decision in particular – which defines “sex discrimination” as including gay and transgender status – is nothing short of a rejection of reality, not to mention Christian teaching and traditional moral values.
I spoke with Dr. Michelle Cretella, M.D., Executive Director of the American College of Pediatricians and a Rhode Island resident. She agreed with strong words, noting that the Bostock decision expects us to “speak and behave as though people are whoever or whatever they claim to be irrespective of the facts.”
This demonstrates the importance of appointing justices with traditional values – an opportunity before us right now in Rhode Island as we have a vacancy on our state Supreme Court.
Governor Raimondo is pushing for Rhode Island state Senator Erin Lynch Prada to fill the vacancy. If Senator Prada were appointed, that would violate a state law requiring legislators to delay one year before being appointed. Moreover, Senator Prada’s voting record has been consistently pro-abortion and opposed to traditional family values. This is not what RI needs!
A better choice might be e Dennis Coleman. Since the establishment of our state’s high court 350 years ago, no person of color has ever served. Now, legislators and minority leaders have been calling for the vacancy to be filled by a person of color. Dennis Coleman would be the first person of color on the court – and he has the experience to do the job. Coleman leads a nationwide practice at one of the top law firms in Boston – Ropes & Gray. He also represents Tony Dungy, former head coach of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. He has deep RI roots as a star quarterback at Brown University in the 70’s.
Maybe it’s time and with God’s help we will see a person of color as well as character on the RI Supreme Court. Let’s pray together to that end.
Finally, a quick update: in my last newsletter, I let you know that we need $20,000 by September 30. Thanks to those of you who gave, we are nearly a quarter of the way there! If you haven’t given yet, would you consider a sacrificial gift to help us meet our goal and keep fighting for the family in Rhode Island? Every gift makes a difference as we fight this important culture war.
Together in the fight,
Dave Aucoin
Chairman, Board of Advisors – Rhode Island
