The Richmond Circuit Court has appointed openly gay prosecutor Tracy Thorne-Begland to the General District Court bench despite opposition from delegates claiming the decision was made to further the "pro-gay agenda."
 

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"I am humbled by the circuit court's decision," Thorne-Begland commented after being appointed Thursday to the 13th Judicial District in the Manchester courthouse in South Richmond.

"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 added, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Some, however, like Virginia delegate Robert Marshall, have spoken against Thorne-Begland's appointment, and called the prosecutor an "aggressive activist for the pro-homosexual agenda."

"You could preside as a district judge for a marriage of two guys if he wanted to, in violation of the law," Marshall was quoted in an interview last month by Politico. "Moreover, if you have a bar room fight between a homosexual and heterosexual, I'm concerned about possible bias."

Thorne-Begland, 45, was initially turned down for the judge's position after receiving a 33-31 House vote in May in favor of his appointment, but fell short of the 51 votes needed for election. On Thursday, however, he was approved to fill a vacancy spot on the bench, and will start at his new position on July 1. He will be the first openly gay judge in Virginia.

Source: Christian Post | Stoyan Zaimov