Monday, March 16, 2009
Deb Price
Obama could tip appeals courts to Dems
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090316/OPINION03/903160334For the still-young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights movement, the makeup of these appeals courts is critical.
Already in the federal courts are challenges to the ban on openly gay members of the military and to part of the 1996 law prohibiting gay married couples from receiving federal benefits.
If Congress and the president expand hate-crime and workplace protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, appeals judges will play a huge role in enforcing those safeguards.