5 Kamala Harris controversies: Extramarital affair, pro-life raid and Knights of Columbus criticism

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Knights of Columbus opposition

A member of the Knights of Columbus holds the U.S. flag outside the State House during a Pro-Life rally in Columbia, South Carolina, January 14, 2012. | (Photo: Reuters/Chris Keane)

In December 2018, Harris garnered controversy for critically questioning a judicial appointee’s association with the Catholic fraternal group, the Knights of Columbus.

Alongside fellow Democrat Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Harris questioned Brian C. Buescher over his affiliation with the Knights.

“Were you aware that the Knights of Columbus opposed a woman’s right to choose [abortion] when you joined the organization?” Kamala asked Buescher at the time.

“Were you aware that the Knights of Columbus opposed marriage equality [same-sex marriage] when you joined the organization?”

Kathleen Blomquist, the spokesperson for the Knights of Columbus, denounced the questions from Hirono and Harris as an example of “anti-Catholic bigotry.”

“We were extremely disappointed to see that one’s commitment to Catholic principles through membership in the Knights of Columbus — a charitable organization that adheres to and promotes Catholic teachings — would be viewed as a disqualifier from public service in this day and age,” said Blomquist to the Catholic News Agency at the time.