Richmond judges appoint Thorne-Begland to bench
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch
By: Jim Nolan | Richmond Times-Dispatch
Published: June 15, 2012 Updated: June 15, 2012 - 12:00 AM
RICHMOND, Va. --
Richmond Circuit Court judges on Thursday appointed prosecutor Tracy Thorne-Begland to the General District Court bench, filling a vacancy created when the House of Delegates rejected his nomination last month.
Thorne-Begland, 45, will be the first openly gay judge in Virginia when his appointment takes effect July 1. He will occupy the bench in the 13th Judicial District in the Manchester courthouse in South Richmond.
"I am humbled by the circuit court's decision," said Thorne-Begland, Richmond's chief deputy commonwealth's attorney.
"I look forward to serving the citizens of the city of Richmond as a jurist and, over the coming months, I hope that my service provides comfort to all Virginians that I remain committed to the faithful application of the laws and constitutions of Virginia and the United States of America."
Read more: http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/jun/15/tdmain01-richmond-judges-appoint-thorne-begland-to-ar-1989430/
See an earlier thread about this. "House" is the Virginia House of Delegates.
House vote sinks openly gay judicial nominee
Also:
Gay judge appointed in Virginia
By MJ LEE | 6/15/12 6:12 AM EDT
An openly gay prosecutor has been appointed in Virginia to take the bench as a district judge, despite the state General Assemblys rejection of his nomination last month.
Tracy Thorne-Begland, whose appointment by Richmond Circuit Court judges will begin July 1, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch, I am humbled by the circuit courts decision.
I look forward to serving the citizens of the city of Richmond as a jurist and, over the coming months, I hope that my service provides comfort to all Virginians that I remain committed to the faithful application of the laws and constitutions of Virginia and the United States of America, he said.
The appointment comes just weeks after Virginia delegate Robert Marshall led the effort to block Thorne-Begland from taking the bench. Calling the prosecutor an aggressive activist for the pro-homosexual agenda, Marshall had threatened to offer an amendment to block the nomination if the state General Assembly didnt vote to reject his nomination.
Richmond Circuit Court appoints openly gay judge
By Laura Vozzella, Published: June 14
The Washington Post
RICHMOND Circuit Court judges have appointed an openly gay prosecutor to the bench just a month after the General Assembly rejected his nomination.
Tracy Thorne-Beglands appointment to the city District Court judgeship is temporary, lasting only until the next General Assembly session.
The move by the Circuit Court is likely to revive the emotional debate over gay judges that consumed the legislature on the last day of session. It infuriated Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William), who along with the Family Foundation of Virginia helped convince the General Assembly that Thorne-Begland was unfit for the bench.
I think its highly imprudent and arrogant on their part, said Marshall. I hope Virginia understands whats going on here: Theyre contesting the authority of the General Assembly here. . . . This is an act of defiance on their part. When appointed officials get in fights with elected officials, they invariably lose.
A few days ago:
Gay judge debate renewed in Richmond
By Laura Vozzella
Leaders of Richmonds five biggest law firms are urging the citys Circuit Court judges to do what the General Assembly would not: Appoint an openly gay man to the bench.
We understand that the Court is considering appointing Tracy Thorne-Begland to the District Court for the City of Richmond, read a letter the lawyers sent Tuesday. We believe he would be an outstanding jurist and support his appointment.
....
Even if Thorne-Begland wins the appointment, its not clear that he could convince the General Assembly to keep him in the post.
This is the Republican establishment that cant take a message, said Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William), who led opposition to Thorne-Begland in the House and was running in Tuesdays primary for U.S. Senate. This is unbelievable arrogance. We went through this process, the House of Delegates said no, we have the authority to do that, we found him wanting in judicial temperament. If they dont like the outcome, they should run for delegate.
Yeah, and if you don't like the outcome you can go {screw} yourself.
I apologize for my language, but not a lot.
Finally, haters gonna hate:
http://wtvr.com/2012/06/14/holmberg-judges-shouldnt-be-openly-anything/
Holmberg: Judges shouldnt be openly anything
Blue_Tires
(55,445 posts)Wind Dancer
(3,618 posts)I have nothing but contempt for those who tried to block him. Typical repukes.