An epic and historic feat – the first of its kind in U.S. history – took place to today after the Senate appointed the nation’s first gay federal judge, the first openly gay man approved by the Senate to serve on the federal judiciary.
Winning by majority vote, the senate confirmed J. Paul Oetken, an already-appointed judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The vote – 80-13 – immediately placed Oetken as the nation’s first openly gay federal judge approved by a U.S. Senate.
Celebrations echoed across the nation as Oetken’s post was announced. While there was no mention of Oetken’s sexual orientation, the White House issued a statement commending the Senate for appointing Oetken in wake of Obama’s nomination.
“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,” said Shin Inouye, a spokesperson for the White House.
Allies and members of the LGBT community celebrated Oetken’s post today, with special note to youth who often look up to members of the federal government.
“Confirmation of Paul Oetken serves as a role model for all LGBT people interested in serving on the judiciary and shows LGBT youth that hard work pays off,” said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign.
Many Republicans voted against Oetken, but there were no Democrats that voted against his nomination.
While Oetken will enjoy his post as the first openly gay male to be appointed by U.S. Senate to a federal judiciary position, he is not the only LGBT person to serve on the federal court system. Oetken will join U.S. District Judge Deborah Batts and U.S. Tax Court Judge Joseph H. Gale as those who serve the nation’s federal courts as openly gay people.
