Second complaint lodged against Ohio Justice Kennedy over speech

Court member hearing case of abortion clinic spoke at fund-raiser for pro-life group

5/16/2017

A second complaint against Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon Kennedy has been lodged with the Ohio Supreme Court's Office of Disciplinary Counsel by the liberal advocacy group, ProgressOhio.

The complaint, which was signed by representatives of numerous women's, medical, and consumer organizations, asked the office to investigate Justice Kennedy's decision to speak at a fund-raiser for Greater Toledo Right to Life. They contend it was a conflict of interest.

RELATED ARTICLE: Conflict of interest grievance filed over justice’s talk | Activists call for Ohio justice to recuse herself on abortion case

Although she did not address the the topic of abortion or any pending cases before the court, Justice Kennedy is part of the high court that will be hearing the case of Toledo's only remaining abortion clinic, Capital Care Network.

A previous complaint was filed against Justice Kennedy by retired Columbus attorney Bret Adams.

A pro-life Republican, Justice Kennedy has listed endorsements from anti-abortion rights organizations when running for the high court.