A Win For Life

Fitzgerald Appointed as Fed. Judge

Social Issues – After many months of waiting with baited breathe, the U.S. Senate approved California lawyer Michael Fitzgerald’s federal judiciary appointment. Fitzgerald, an openly gay man, was nominated by President Barack Obama last July. With the approval of the Senate, Fitzgerald’s appointment to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California made him the fourth lifetime appointed judge in the country’s history and the first to serve outside of New York.

In addition to President Obama’s endorsement, Fitzgerald also gained the support of Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, leading to a successful vote of 91-6. All six of Fitzgerald’s detractors were Republicans.

In a statement issued after the vote Fitzgerald said that he was “honored by the Senate’s confirmation today…grateful to the President for my nomination…grateful to Senator Boxer for her recommendation … grateful to Senator Feinstein for her support … looking forward to serving the people of the Central District of California.”

Shortly after Fitzgerald’s approval Senator Boxer said the delay in his approval was “shameful” blaming Republicans for blocking a final vote on the matter and delaying Fitzgerald’s approval since October of 2011. She went on to sing Fitzgerald’s praises stating, “the federal bench in California will gain an extremely talented new judge… His sharp intellect and broad legal experience will make him a tremendous asset.”

Read more at Gay Star News.