'This compromise preserves the ability to block extremist nominees,' said HRC President Joe Solmonese.

WASHINGTON - Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement concerning the compromise reached last night between seven Democrats and seven Republicans preserving the minority's right to use a filibuster in the judicial nomination process.

&quotThis compromise preserves the ability to block extremist nominees. This will be particularly important when a nominee for the Supreme Court is named. We laud this effort and those senators from both sides of the aisle who crafted the agreement to protect our nation and put an end to the nuclear option.

&quotWe are gravely disappointed that Judge William Pryor, who has a record of attacking equal rights for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, is one of the nominees who will proceed. We will continue to focus on Pryor's extreme views and urge senators of both parties to oppose his nomination.

&quotHowever, in the long term, this compromise has kept intact a process that has been going on for centuries allowing the minority party to weigh in on the judges selected by the majority. That this power is preserved is extremely important to GLBT Americans and our allies. We also urge the White House to pay renewed attention to the advice and consent function of the Senate, as judicial nominees supported by a consensus can avoid such rancor in the future.&quot