Ginsburg, Scalia honoured for civility in public life

WASHINGTON – Two Supreme Court members who formed an enduring friendship despite their ideological differences are being honoured with an award for civility.

The award to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the late Justice Antonin Scalia comes just hours after all the justices gathered at the White House to see Neil Gorsuch sworn in as their newest colleague.

Scalia died last year, leaving a nearly 14-month-long vacancy filled after a divisive confirmation process. He and Ginsburg were close friends who often went on vacations together and shared a mutual love of opera.

The award from Allegheny College was presented at the National Press Club to Ginsburg and to Scalia’s wife, Maureen, and son Eugene.

Ginsburg says collegiality “really matters” at the court. She urges lawmakers to “lead in restoring harmonious work ways.”