Virginia Blocks Gay Prosecutor From State Court

Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Tracy Thorne-Begland appears to have been successful in every aspect of his life: as a Navy fighter-pilot, a top prosecutor, and the father to two twin children. With bipartisan support he would have appeared a shoe in for a state judgeship. However, he was denied in a vote of 33-31 by the Virginia House of Delegates because of one other fact — Thorne-Begland is gay. For gays and lesbians, the state seal (which is my favorite among the states) now has a more sinister meaning.

Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring correctly stated that “It’s hard to think about what happened in the General Assembly and not conclude that it’s a form of bigotry.”

Anti-gay activists like the Family Foundation opposed him and legislators insisted that he might push for some “activist agenda” — presumably enforcing some form of gay justice whatever that might be.

There will come a day when the votes of these 33 legislators will be held up as an example of the perverse period in which we currently live — a time when a talented lawyer was denied a judgeship solely due to who he loved as a partner.
Source: Times Dispatch