Virginia’s first openly gay judge confirmed by General Assembly
After not receiving enough votes for a judicial appointment last year, the House of Delegates today elected Tracy Thorne-Begland to a full six-year term.
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Tracy Thorne-Begland denied judicial appointment because of gay activism
After a discussion that lasted well into the early Tuesday morning hours, the House of Delegates rejected the nomination of Tracy Thorne-Begland as a judge in the General District Court. Thorne-Begland would be the first openly gay judge to serve in Virginia. The current Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney needed a majority of the 100-member House. […]
An open and honest life
The Chief Deputy Commonwealth Attorney came out in the 1990s. He publicly opposed the country’s policy that prevented gays from serving in the military by appearing on Nightline. Because of legal wrangling, the Navy ultimately discharged him not once, but twice for it. The story of how this Richmonder’s fight contributed to the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
