Gradual Approach

Justice Ginsburg Thinks The Supreme Court Hit The Right Balance On Marriage Equality

Supreme Court justices don’t often give interviews, but Ruth Bader Ginsberg has been increasingly voluble of late. In her most recent interview, Ginsburg made it clear that she thinks the Court got it right by taking an incremental approach to marriage equality in its June decisions.

“The court handled both of those cases just the way they should have,” she said in remarks to reporters with Bloomberg News and The New York Times

Ginsburg may well be reflecting on the Supreme Court’s role in legalizing abortion. She has said that the Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision was too bold, resulting inevitably in a backlash. A more limited ruling on marriage equality would, from this point of view, allow the country to adjust to the idea and provide the time needed for broader acceptance.

Ginsburg is clearly no fan of the current Court, calling it “one of the most activist courts in history.” In the wide-ranging interview, Ginsburg also expressed her appreciation of President Obama, saying his push for healthcare reform was “brave.”

Ginsburg, 80, made it clear in her remarks that she has not intention of stepping down, despite pressure to quit so Obama can pick another liberal to replace her. Despite two cancer scares, she says she’s in excellent health. Her only concession to her age: “I don’t water-ski anymore.”

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