Equality California Statement on Kavanaugh Allegations of Sexual Assault Made by Christine Blasey Ford

WASHINGTON - September 16, 2018 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Rick Zbur on Sunday, in response to Christine Blasey Ford speaking out about the allegations of sexual assault against Judge Brett Kavanaugh:

"Equality California believes survivors. We believe Christine Blasey Ford and thank her for her bravery in stepping forward. And we hope that she will be treated with the dignity and respect that she deserves.

"It is the lack of dignity and respect afforded to too many survivors of sexual assault, the very real harm to their livelihoods and the trauma they continue to face that often causes survivors to make the difficult decision not to come forward - initially or ever. That is their choice, and that was Ms. Ford's choice - choices that should be understood and respected. We appreciate Senator Feinstein's efforts to protect Ms. Ford's privacy and to respect her wishes to remain anonymous.

"These charges are serious and disqualifying. They would be for any person in any circumstance, and are particularly so for someone nominated to serve on the nation's highest court. Ms. Ford should never have had to come forward, but now that she has chosen to share her story, it is critical that law enforcement be given adequate time to thoroughly investigate Judge Kavanaugh's conduct. The stakes are too high for his nomination to proceed, and the White House should withdraw it immediately."

Equality California is the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org