SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's elected officials and others involved in political and law fields are sharing condolences after the announcement of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death.
Ginsburg, 87, died in her home surrounded by family, the Supreme Court said in a statement.
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Sen. Mike Lee:
"Justice Ginsburg devoted her entire life to reading, interpreting, and understanding the law. To describe her as a gifted lawyer and jurist who had a profound influence on our country is an understatement. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family."
Sen. Mitt Romney:
“Justice Ginsburg served our nation with a deep reverence for the law and our Constitution. Her fight for women’s equality inspired all women to pursue their dreams without limits, and her grit, character and sharp wit made her an iconic and inspirational jurist beloved by people young and old. The beautiful friendship she shared with the late Justice Scalia serves as a reminder to all Americans to treat each other with kindness and respect, despite our differences. Justice Ginsburg’s record of distinguished service leaves an indelible mark on our country that will endure for generations to come. She and her husband Martin shared a full life together, and Ann and I pray tonight that her family finds comfort during this time.”
Rep. Chris Stewart:
"Rest In Peace Justice Ginsburg. My prayers are with her family and loved ones."
Rep. John Curtis:
"I’m saddened to hear about the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her decades of service to our Nation & her legacy will be celebrated well into the future. RBG helped shape our nation into what it is today & I express my deepest condolences to her family."
Rep. Ben McAdams:
"Ruth Bader Ginsberg lived her life with dedication and commitment. She made a lasting mark on the bench and our entire nation. I am grateful for the service she gave to our country and send my deep condolences to her family and loved ones."
Gov. Gary Herbert:
"Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a force of nature. She had a keen intellect and a tremendous work ethic. She broke through countless barriers, shattering ceilings and leading the way for women to have more involvement in government. She was a true pioneer in every sense. Justice Ginsburg gave tireless service well beyond retirement age and had a tremendous impact on our nation. Jeanette and I send our sincere condolences to her family."
Herbert also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all state facilities and public grounds from Saturday until the day of Ginsburg's burial. "Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and others are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time," the announcement read.
Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox:
"Two years ago I had the honor of meeting Justice Ginsburg. She had a brilliant legal mind and was every bit as funny and engaging as advertised. We obviously disagreed on many legal opinions, but honor her legacy as a trailblazer and dedicated public servant."
Attorney General Sean Reyes
"RIP Justice Ginsburg—a tireless advocate, dedicated jurist, and beloved role model for a generation of women."
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson:
“Justice Ginsburg broke ground and glass ceilings at the same time. She fought for equality and justice and never backed down in the face of opposition. She is a hero to me and millions of other women who looked to her as a North Star for her principled leadership. We will miss her more than we realize today, and we should all mourn together for the loss of a great American treasure.”
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall:
"I’m speechless at the loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was an iconic, trailblazing, intellectual woman. My thoughts are with her family and our nation."
Retired Sen. Orrin Hatch:
"Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a dear friend whose impact extended well beyond the Supreme Court. Of course, it’s no secret that Justice Ginsburg and I were on opposite sides on most issues. But we both loved this country greatly, and that was the kindling of a decades-long friendship. I hope that as an American family, we can one day look beyond politics to see what’s best in each other as Ruth and I did. May God bless the Ginsburg family, and may He bless our country in the months ahead."
ACLU of Utah:
"We mourn the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who not only honorably served our nation on the U.S. Supreme Court, but who also created a new framework for equality as the co-founder of the ACLU's Women's Rights Project. Let us take this time to reflect and learn about the remarkable life and accomplishments of this fearless advocate for justice."
Utah Democratic Party:
The Utah Democratic Party is saddened today by the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Ginsburg was a true pioneer, being just the second woman appointed to the Supreme Court, and a legal career that is blazing a path towards gender equality in this country.
“I will forever be grateful for Justice Ginsburg’s impact,” said UDP Chairman, Jeff Merchant. ["]I look at my three daughters and know that we must continue the legacy that she leaves. Her voice has been silenced, but the fight continues. We cannot and must not let her fire go out. Thank you and Bless you.”
It is the hope of the Utah Democratic Party that the President and the Senate take heed of her last wish that she dictated to her granddaughter and that her replacement on the Supreme Court be appointed after January 20th, 2021.
Former Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Christine Durham, State Rep. Angela Romero, Utah Democratic Party Vice Chair Nadia Mahallati, Salt Lake City Councilwoman Shireen Ghorbani, and State House candidate Clare Collard spoke with FOX 13 Saturday and shared how they looked up to Ginsburg. Watch the video above for their thoughts and reactions.
