Patrick nominee Lenk would be first openly gay Supreme Court justice in Massachusetts

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by Noah Bierman
Globe Staff / April 5, 2011


Governor Deval Patrick nominated Barbara A. Lenk to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court yesterday, choosing an openly gay appellate judge who wed her partner following the high court’s landmark decision legalizing same-sex marriage.

If confirmed, Lenk would be the first openly gay member of the Massachusetts high court and just one of a handful of openly gay state supreme court justices in the country, according to gay rights advocates.

Both Patrick and Lenk acknowledged the groundbreaking nature of the appointment, but stressed her qualifications, including 17 years on the bench, a Harvard law degree, and a doctorate from Yale in political philosophy.

“It’s a nice coincidence and a happy one,’’ Patrick said of Lenk’s potential to make history. “I love the idea of firsts, as you know, and I’m proud of this one. But first and foremost, this is a very well prepared and highly qualified candidate.’’

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