BUZZFEED POLITICS
Obama Nominates Out Gay Black Judge To Federal Bench
Chris Geidner BuzzFeed Staff | posted Nov 14, 2012 4:43pm EST
http://www.buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/obama-nominates-out-gay-black-judge-to-federal-ben (http://www.buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/obama-nominates-out-gay-black-judge-to-federal-ben)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs3-ec.buzzfed.com%2Fstatic%2Fenhanced%2Fwebdr01%2F2012%2F11%2F14%2F16%2Fenhanced-buzz-26184-1352929334-0.jpg&hash=f76159c7919493b63608a97bafb5ab3ceb188955)
Judge William ThomasVia: washjeff.edu
Obama said Judge William Thomas and other nominees "represent my continued commitment to ensure that the judiciary resembles the nation it serves." Thomas would be the first gay black man on the federal judiciary.
The White House announced on Wednesday that President Obama has nominated Judge William Thomas, an out gay man, to serve on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Thomas would be the first out LGBT black man to serve as a lifetime-tenured federal judge.
In a statement, Obama noted the diversity of Thomas and six other nominees, saying, "They ... represent my continued commitment to ensure that the judiciary resembles the nation it serves."
He added, "These individuals have demonstrated the talent, expertise, and fair-mindedness Americans expect and deserve from their judicial system. I am grateful for their willingness to serve and confident that they will apply the law with the utmost impartiality and integrity. Too many of our courtrooms stand empty. I hope the Senate will promptly consider all of my nominees and ensure justice for everyday Americans."