"The Senate Judiciary Committee took a step backwards today in the march towards justice for all when they approved the nomination of Judge D. Brooks Smith for a promotion to a lifetime appointment to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Smith has, in his decisions as a district court judge and in his speeches, shown hostility to women's issues, including the "Violence Against Women Act" which has won bi-partisan praise and support as an effective tool in the fight against domestic violence.

"We are especially surprised that the Committee would approve the nomination of someone who has reneged on his promise to the Senate Judiciary Committee in the past. During his confirmation to the district court seat he now holds, Judge Smith promised to resign within two years from a club that discriminates against women if they did not change their policy. The club's discriminatory policy remains intact, and Judge Smith only recently, 11 years after his initial promise, resigned. His membership in this discriminatory club, which run contrary to judicial standards, should have disqualified him from the seat on the appellate court.

"We hope that the full Senate will reject this unworthy nomination."