In a decision that he says represents his "continued commitment to ensure the judiciary resembles the nation it serves," President Barack Obama has nominated his first openly gay black judicial nominee for the federal court, putting forth Judge William L. Thomas for consideration for the U.S District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
If confirmed, he'll be the second, but we're sure not the last, "out" black judge on the federal bench. From Queerty:
"These individuals have demonstrated the talent, expertise, and fair-mindedness Americans expect and deserve from their judicial system," President Obama said in a statement. "They also represent my continued commitment to ensure that the judiciary resembles the nation it serves."
Judge William L. Thomas has served as a Circuit Judge in Florida's 11th Judicial Circuit since 2005, presiding over both civil and criminal matters. Prior to that, he was an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Florida, representing underprivileged clients in criminal cases. He received his B.A. from Washington and Jefferson College in 1991 and his J.D. from Temple University School of Law in 1994 …
"Today's announcement … reflects the President's historic commitment to advancing a diverse judiciary that looks like America," Nancy Zirkin of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights said in a statement. "If confirmed, these nominees would bring more women, minorities, and openly gay judges to courts to better reflect the nation they serve.
Read more at Queerty.
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