In the wake of Judge Kacsmaryk’s decision earlier today to suspend the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill, Mifepristone, Bolder Advocacy’s team would like to issue an important public service announcement.
Public Charities CAN influence judicial nominations.
While tax code rules prohibit 501(c)(3) public charities from supporting or opposing candidates for public office, those rules do not extend to judicial nominations. Judicial nominees generally require confirmation by a legislative body (e.g. the Senate). This means that while your support or opposition of judicial nominees may constitute lobbying that needs to be tracked against your organization’s lobbying limits, it does not equate to prohibited electioneering.
So, while you’re advocating for government officials to keep their #BansOffOurBodies, also take the time to learn more about the nominees currently being considered for judgeships in federal and state courts. Then, decide whether your organization is willing to step up and speak out about the importance of the courts, judicial nominees, and the real-world impact of judicial decisions that affect all of us.
Make no mistake: Today’s decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. US Food and Drug Administration is devastating.
While we can’t go back in time and undo Judge Kacsmaryk’s confirmation, we can work NOW to #FillEverySeat and advocate for judges who are committed to preserving our well-established rights and who reflect the diversity of this great country.
For more on several equal justice champions currently nominated for federal judgeships, click here.