Gov. Shumlin Increases HIs Judicial Influence With New Gay Judge

Often considered a pioneer in terms of its legislative approach to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, Vermont made gay history yet again yesterday by swearing in a renowned marriage equality activist as the state's first openly gay Supreme Court justice. Gov. Shumlin (a Democrat) appointed liberal lesbian Beth Robinson to his state's highest court. As with the decision to allow gay marriage in the state, the appointment prevents any public vote on the issue.

Robinson has no experience as judge but is a trusted political ally of the governor, who she served as legal council. She is known to support the Governor's liberal vision for the state.

Beth Robinson replaces Justice Denise Johnson, who is retiring, according to a press release. Robinson, 46, is a civil rights advocate who helped represent three couples in a landmark 1999 state Supreme Court decision that prompted the Legislature in 2000 to make Vermont the first state to offer marriage-like benefits to same-sex couples, the Associated Press reports. In addition, she worked actively to promote Vermont's marriage equality law, which the legislature passed (with no public vote) in 2009. See Chick's THE TRIAL.