Another move toward equality!
The Senate has confirmed that for the first time ever an openly gay male will serve on the federal bench.
By a vote of 80 to 13, James Paul Oetken has been voted by the Senate to sit on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Speaking about this momentous event, New York Democrat Sen. Chuck Schumer said:
“As the first openly gay man to be confirmed as a federal judge and to serve on the federal bench, he will be a symbol of how much we have achieved as a country in just the last few decades.”
In a statement, White House spokesperson Shin Inouye said:
“The president welcomes the confirmation of Mr. Oetken and is confident that he will serve the American people with distinction from the district court bench.”
This is a HUGE and important step in LGBT rights. We are so proud!