Yesterday President Obama nominated seven new federal judges, including out and proud Judge William Thomas for U.S. District Court in Southern Florida.
President Obama said in a statement “They [Judge Thomas and the other nominees] represent my continued commitment to ensure that the judiciary resembles the nation it serves.”
“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.”
As Buzzfeed notes, Judge Thomas is the first LGBT black judge President Obama has nominated, and will be the if approved by the Senate, the second out black federal judge, first being Judge Deborah Batts. She was nominated by President Clinton and sat on the bench for the Southern District of New York. Additionally this makes seven openly LGBT judges that Obama has nominated for “lifetime-tenured positions.” Way to go for diversity!
