The first openly gay federal judge passed away at 72

[Behind the Aegis]

The first openly gay federal judge, Deborah Batts, died on Sunday at the age of 72.

Batts, a Manhattan judge, was appointed in 1994 by President Bill Clinton. She broke barriers not only for being gay, but also for being Black and a woman.

In a statement, Chief Judge Colleen McMahon spoke of Batts’s incredible career.

“Deborah Batts was a trailblazer in every respect: an openly gay African-American woman who became a United States District Judge after a distinguished career as a federal prosecutor and law professor,” she said. “It will be difficult to replace her. Our hearts are broken at her premature passing.”

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[irisblue]

1. 🕯️🌈

[jimfields33]

2. RIP

I feel awful for everyone on that court. I really do. Not only did a beloved colleague pass away. But her replacement is giving me heartburn and we don’t even know who trump will pick. It will be bad though guaranteed.

[Ms. Toad]

4. I say it's too close to the next election. Whoever wins it has the right to fill

any currently vacant seats - or any seats that become vacant between now and the election.

[tritsofme]

5. President Obama already chose her replacement.

She took “senior status” and partially retired in 2012.

[chowder66]

3. What a horrible loss.