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Advocates Call for First Openly Gay Justice

Post would 'break glass ceiling in a huge way'

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 5, 2009 1:00 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Gay-rights advocates are calling on President Obama to fill David Souter’s Supreme Court seat with an openly gay person, Politico reports. “It’s not so much we want to check that box at the Supreme Court level, but that achievement would be breaking the glass ceiling in a huge way,” said one. Frustrated by the lack of openly gay cabinet members, groups are touting possible homosexual nominees.

Said to be in the running are two Stanford law scholars, Kathleen Sullivan and Pam Karlan. Says Karlan: “Given the landscape, I’m flattered, but not fooled, by having my name tossed around.” A conservative activist said an openly gay nominee would be a political “bridge too far” for Obama, putting “a whole new element into the debate that I don’t think he’s ready for.”

President Barack Obama, in a unexpected visit to the White House pressroom Friday, tells reporters that he just got off the phone with Supreme Court Justice David Souter.
President Barack Obama, in a unexpected visit to the White House pressroom Friday, tells reporters that he just got off the phone with Supreme Court Justice David Souter.   (AP Photo)
In this 2008 photo, US Supreme Court Justice David Souter smiles after speaking during a dedication ceremony at the State Supreme Courthouse in Concord, NH.
In this 2008 photo, US Supreme Court Justice David Souter smiles after speaking during a dedication ceremony at the State Supreme Courthouse in Concord, NH.   (AP Photo)
In this 2006 file photo, members of the Supreme Court pose for a photo in Washington.
In this 2006 file photo, members of the Supreme Court pose for a photo in Washington.   (AP Photo)
First Amendment scholar Kathleen Sullivan, a former dean of Stanford's law school, is being touted by gay-rights groups for the Supreme Court.
First Amendment scholar Kathleen Sullivan, a former dean of Stanford's law school, is being touted by gay-rights groups for the Supreme Court.   (Stanford Law School)
Stanford law professor Pam Karlan, openly lesbian, is also among advocacy groups' suggestions.
Stanford law professor Pam Karlan, openly lesbian, is also among advocacy groups' suggestions.   (Stanford Law School)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
bcfilmguy
May 6, 2009 12:25 PM CDT
A person shouldn't get the job just because they are a minority, but if they are qualified, why not appoint someone who is sensitive to minority issue? Hells yeah. And yeah, responsible conservatives in government right now are pretty Christing scarce.
AnnieChrist
May 5, 2009 11:28 AM CDT
responsible conservative is an oxymoron
kokuaguy
May 5, 2009 9:56 AM CDT
You do need to choose a women on a nine member court with only one-- assuming there are numerous equally qualified women, you could put the names in a hat, or use another legitimate criteria such as the need to make up for traditional shunning of openly gay professionals.

WaPo, WSJ put Sullivan on short lists
On Top Magazine

Time for Court diversity
Examiner

 
gay rights • US Supreme Court • homosexual • David Souter • President Obama • Kathleen Sullivan • Pam Karlan

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