VA may appoint first openly gay judge

Richmond General District Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland is among 44 other judges hoping for new six-year appointments when the Virginia House of Delegates votes this week. The difference is that if appointed, Thorne-Begland will become Virginia’s first openly gay judge. Last year his bid for a permanent position was rejected after he failed to reach the 51 vote majority needed. Many delegates were conveniently absent from their desks when it came time to vote on his confirmation. Thorne-Begland was since appointed to fill a temporary vacancy, but now the House of Delegates is set to vote again, and Virginia may see its first openly gay judge–a major achievement for the advancement of gay and lesbian rights.