In response to Donald Trump’s choice of John M. Gore to lead the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, PFAW Executive Vice President Marge Baker released the following statement:

“John M. Gore’s long track record of distorting the Constitution to advance discrimination shows that if he’s confirmed to head the Civil Rights Division, he’ll undoubtedly neglect his responsibility to protect the rights of all Americans. Coupled with the Trump administration’s indicated desire to cut or reduce funding for the Civil Rights Division, the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, and Violence Against Women Grants, this latest appointment makes clear how little Trump and his administration respect core constitutional rights.

“This weekend, millions of Americans across the country marched to stand up for women’s rights, civil rights, religious freedom, and other central American values that Trump threatened during his campaign. Sadly, Gore’s appointment is just the latest decision from Trump and his team that flies in the face of the shared principles that the marchers and the vast majority of Americans stand for. As Senators consider whether or not they’ll vote for Gore, they’ll have to decide whether they stand on the side of the millions of Americans who will fight for equality, or the Trump administration and their concerning disregard for fundamental American rights.”

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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