Demand Justice Launches ‘Breyer Retire’ Push On Anniversary Of Stevens’ Retirement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2021
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WASHINGTON, DC — Demand Justice launched a new push Friday for Justice Stephen Breyer to retire so that President Biden can appoint the first-ever Black woman Supreme Court justice. The campaign launches on the anniversary of the late Justice John Paul Stevens announcing his retirement in 2010.
As part of the effort, Demand Justice is launching an online petition that reads, in part, “Tell Justice Breyer: Put the country first. Don’t risk your legacy to an uncertain political future. Retire now.”
The campaign also includes a billboard truck set to circle the Supreme Court.
The text of the billboard reads: “Breyer, retire. It’s time for a Black woman Supreme Court justice. There’s no time to waste.”
During President Obama’s first term, Justice John Paul Stevens announced his retirement on April 9, 2010, and Justice David Souter announced his retirement on May 1, 2009.
“We are now firmly in the window when past justices have announced their retirement, so it’s officially worrisome that Justice Breyer has not said yet that he will step down. The only responsible choice for Justice Breyer is to immediately announce his retirement so President Biden can quickly nominate the first-ever Black woman Supreme Court justice,” said Demand Justice Executive Director Brian Fallon. “We cannot afford to risk Democrats losing control of the Senate before a Biden nominee can be confirmed. Justice Breyer is not entitled to the benefit of the doubt at this point. Those worried about the Court’s future should speak up to ensure he understands the need for him to time his retirement wisely.”
