Past Campaign: Speak out against the nomination of Jeff Mateer

Jeff Mateer was President Trump’s nominee for a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Mateer serves as the first assistant attorney general of Texas. He previously served as general counsel of the First Liberty Institute, an ultraconservative religious advocacy organization that has taken anti-LGBTQ, anti-reproductive rights positions.

Mateer stands out for his harsh attacks against the LGBTQ community. As originally reported by CNN, Mateer has made public statements referring to transgender children as part of “Satan’s plan.” He has supported the dangerous and abusive practice known as “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ youth. He has also argued that marriage equality for same-sex couples could lead to “disgusting” outcomes including polygamy and bestiality.

Mateer’s views are hostile and harmful, and his nomination generated an outpouring of opposition from a diverse array of groups. AFJAC took a leading role in the #StopMateer campaign.  Ultimately, after Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley also voiced his opposition to the White House, the Trump Administration announced that Mateer’s nomination would not go forward.  The defeat of his nomination is a testament to the strength of advocates who stood up against the elevation of such an egregiously unqualified nominee to the federal bench.

Update: On December 13, 2017, the White House confirmed that the nomination of Jeff Mateer would not be moving forward.

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Learn more about Mateer here:

• Watch Mateer calling transgender kids part of “Satan’s plan” here
• Right Wing Watch: Trump Anti-LGBTQ nominee spoke at “Kill the Gays” conference
• CNN.com: Trump judicial nominee said transgender children are part of “Satan’s plan”
• Washington Blade: White House silent after revelation nominee called trans kids “Satan’s plan”