Flake again defends newly-confirmed appellate judge amid criticism

PHOENIX — U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) came to the defense of a judge for the second time in less than a month after she faced criticism over her religious beliefs.

On Tuesday, Flake defended Amy Coney Barrett, who was nominated by President Donald Trump to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. He spoke to the Senate Judiciary Committee on the Senate floor.

Barrett was publicly criticized over her Roman Catholic Faith during her recent confirmation hearing. She was confirmed by a vote of 55-43.

“It’s no better for Democrats to evaluate a judicial nominee based on how many books are in the Bible on which she swears her oath than it is for Republicans to judge a congressman for the Quran on which he does the same,” Flake said in a press release.

The speech was the second public show of support for the new U.S. Court of Appeals judge.

On Oct. 2, Flake said Barrett should be evaluated based on her career, not her religious beliefs.

“What is remarkable is that I need to say this in 2017, it bears repeating: a Roman Catholic can be a faithful steward of the law,” Flake said in early October. “So can an Episcopalian, so can a Mormon, so can a Muslim and so can an atheist.”

Barrett faced criticism from senators, such as, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

Feinstein called Barrett’s Roman Catholic “dogma” and hinted that Barrett had used her religious ideals to make decisions in court cases.

Barrett said she would never allow her religion to interfere with her decisions.

Flake said the religious questions were from people who wanted to paint Barrett as a “fringe idealogue” after a New York Times piece said she was part of a church-based group that requires members to take a loyalty oath.

He also likened the questions to a religious test for judges.

“I sincerely hope that this body will step back from that dangerous ledge and evaluate professor Barrett based on her impeccable qualifications, not where she attends church,” he said.

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