Newly-confirmed Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor is the first hispanic Supreme Court justice and the third woman to sit on the bench. When asked about gay marriage during her confirmation hearing, Justice Sotomayor said she would keep a "completely open mind." But, how likely is she to side with LGBT rights advocates should issues of gay rights come before the high court?
Justice Sotomayor's critics have accused her of being an "activist" judge while proponents applaud her previous decision-making as broad-thinking, fact-based and progressive. I as well as most LGBT activists, political and legal experts remain optimistic that when LGBT issues rise to the Supreme Court, Justice Sotomayor will provide a weight the bench needs to side on the likelihood of equality for LGBT people.
Here is a snapshot of a few of Justice Sotomayor's previous rulings and how they may indicate her future opinions.
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Hello Ramon!
My comment is not on Justice Sotomayor, although I am so happy for her and for us. America needs more diversity, world views and dedicated individuals who are willing to service the American people.
My real purpous is to connect with as many people as possible to begin a conversation that I believe WE are ready for.
I live in Southern New Jersey. It is very rural…farm, horese and such. It also has its compliment of LGTBQ youth, who like most are just trying to get past puberty.
Some of these young people have been kicked out of homes, placed in foster-care or living on the streets. Please read my blog. Share it with people you know…It is time for LGBT adults to begin having a conversation about what the need and what we need to do for them. We are looking at an epidemic. There is no reason for them to suffer any more. Those of us who have work years for civil rights, are also responsible for children that have not done anything, except that they long to be, safe, loved and happy.
Thank you Ramon,
Robin