From the Catholic News Agency (https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/senators-quiz-nominee-about-membership-of-extreme-knights-of-columbus-78683):

“In written questions sent to Buescher by committee members Dec. 5, Sen. Hirono stated that ‘the Knights of Columbus has taken a number of extreme positions. For example, it was reportedly one of the top contributors to California’s Proposition 8 campaign to ban same-sex marriage.’”

“In her questions to the nominee, Sen. Harris described the Knights as “an all-male society” and asked if Buescher was aware that the Knights of Columbus “opposed a woman’s right to choose” and were against “marriage equality” when he joined.”

Further, it is important to note that they inquired whether Mr. Buescher would resign his membership as a knight if he was appointed to a federal judgeship.

We believe that the Knights of Columbus are not an extremist group nor a hate group.  We believe that villification of the Knights of Columbus is simply a reiteration of a long history of politicized Anti-Catholic bias in our country.

By signing this petition, you are urging Senator Hirono (D-Hi) and Senator Harris (D-Ca) to apologize to the nominee, the Knights, and explore the massive good the Knights do in their states and across the country.  

We also encourage all to email and call the Senator’s offices to urge accountability on this issue:

Senator Kamala Harris: https://www.harris.senate.gov/contact/offices

Senator Mazie Hirono:

https://www.hirono.senate.gov/help/office-locations