“We were profoundly saddened to learn today of the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. His brilliant legal mind and unwavering service to our country earned him deep respect. We send heartfelt condolences to his family.

We call on the Obama administration and leaders on both sides of the aisle in the Senate to ensure that the vacancy on the Supreme Court is filled quickly and by a jurist who shares our nation’s deep commitment to equal justice for all, privacy, and fairness for women, people of color, workers, religious minorities, seniors and every person who may face discrimination. Given the cases that are before it now, as well as in the pipeline, the Supreme Court could issue rulings that have a significant impact on our nation’s privacy, labor, civil rights and other essential laws in coming months and years. The next appointment will be critical.”