NCJW opposes Joshua Dunlap. Here’s why:
Mr. Dunlap’s record shows a consistent effort to undermine civil rights and democratic norms in support of far-right ideology. He has advocated for broad religious exemptions that would weaken anti-discrimination laws and opposed LGBTQ+ equality measures. He has defended corporate interests, including predatory banks and opioid manufacturers, often at the public’s expense. His actions to restrict abortion access and challenge Maine’s ranked-choice voting raise serious concerns about his commitment to justice, equality, and the rule of law.
Joshua Dunlap’s stance on important issues:
Separation of Church and State:
In a law review article, Mr. Dunlap advocated for radically expansive “ministerial exceptions” to Title VII, arguing religious employers should be entirely exempt from anti-discrimination laws related to race, gender, and national origin. Mr. Dunlap testified in support of Maine’s Preservation of Religious Freedom Act which allowed for sweeping challenges to laws that solidified that separation of church and state. He has also claimed that “religious motivation” should justify discriminatory conduct against lawyers based on race, religion, and sexual orientation.
LGBTQ+ Rights:
In 2012, he wrote a letter to the editor opposing marriage equality in Maine. In addition, Mr. Dunlap has aggressively argued for a sweeping interpretation of religious freedom that would roll back basic anti-discrimination protections. In a law review article, he argued that the free exercise clause should be interpreted to allow religious employers exemption from Title VII.
Economic Justice:
Throughout his career, Mr. Dunlap has been a legal champion of corporations, often at the expense of the public. He has fought for banks attempting to extract outrageous overdraft fees from customers, defended financial institutions accused of misleading students about loan terms, and represented pharmaceutical companies implicated in the opioid crisis.
Abortion:
Mr. Dunlap supported anti abortion legislation in Maine that would have created a wrongful death cause of action for the death of an “unborn viable fetus.” He joined testimony that claimed the bill was about “providing access to justice” for family members. He also supported a bill aimed at restricting abortion for minors and incapacitated persons.
Civil Rights:
Mr. Dunlap has worked to undermine democratic safeguards that ensure transparency and accountability in Maine’s elections. He has represented conservative groups and corporations in lawsuits attempting to dismantle campaign finance regulations and has defended Republican opponents in their attempts to overturn Maine’s ranked-choice voting system.
Education and Career Highlights:
Joshua Dunlap received his BA from Pensacola Christian College and his JD from Notre Dame Law School. He was a legal intern for the Alliance Defending Freedom before becoming a judicial law clerk for Judge Paul Kelly Jr. at the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He is currently a partner in the litigation group at Pierce Atwood LLP.