WASHINGTON—Today, following an outcry from People For the American Way activists and ally organizations, Tennessee State Senator Mark Green removed his name from consideration for army secretary. Yesterday PFAW delivered 32,000 petition signatures to the office of Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat serving on the Senate Armed Services Committee. PFAW also joined over 40 other leading civil rights organizations in sending a letter to Sen. Reed and Armed Services Chairman John MCain opposing Green’s nomination.

People For the American Way Executive Vice President Marge Baker released the following statement:

“No one with a record of attacking and demeaning marginalized communities should be handed a top government position. Time and again, Green has pushed legislation to harm LGBTQ people, supported efforts to undermine women’s health, and expressed a disturbing contempt for Muslims and immigrants. And throughout it all, Green has relied on tired right-wing myths to defend his positions.

“Tens of thousands of people across the country spoke out against Green—and their pressure worked. His decision today to withdraw from consideration is a victory for the swelling movement to resist this brand of extremism in our political leadership.”

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and defend constitutional values including free expression, religious liberty, equal justice under the law, and the right to meaningfully participate in our democracy.

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