Judges on the Richmond Circuit Court on Thursday appointed an openly gay judge to the General District Court bench a month after the Virginia House of Delegates rejected his nomination. Tracy Thorne-Begland told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he is “humbled” by the court’s appointment.
“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,” Thorne-Begland said.
The rejection by the Republican-controlled House of Delegates was viewed by some as a discriminatory decision. However, Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell’s office said he supports the appointment of Thorne-Begland.