WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in tribute to Justice Antonin Scalia on his passing:

"I join the nation in mourning the passing of Justice Scalia, a man who had a deep love for our nation, the Constitution, and as the father of nine children, was passionate about the institutions of marriage and family. 

"He leaves behind a distinguished legacy that will have a lasting impact.  His deep commitment to ‎the Constitution was unmatched, especially in an era when judges have legislated from the bench and twisted the nation's charter document to justify their ideological agendas.

"Justice Scalia believed the Constitution had an objective meaning that could be understood and applied, and that as a nation we need to abide by it carefully for the sake of liberty, order, and justice.

"We offer our prayers and condolences to his family.  He will be greatly missed.

"The Supreme Court has now become the centerpiece in this presidential election. There has not been an election-year nomination in generations and the Senate must not break that trend now.  With the election only 269 days away, the people should decide what president should fill this seat," concluded Perkins.

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SOURCE Family Research Council