May 15, 2012
Republicans discriminated against Tracy Thorne-Begland because he is gay
Early this morning, Republicans in the Virginia House of Delegates voted against appointing Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Tracy Thorne-Begland as a judge on Richmond’s 13th District Court. Had Thorne-Begland been appointed, he would have been the first openly gay judge elected in Virginia.
Though Thorne-Begland had bipartisan support when nominated, a smear campaign led by Republican Delegate Marshall, based solely on Thorne-Begland’s sexual-orientation, resulted in the rejection of Thorne-Begland as a nominee.
“Tracy Thorne-Begland has spent his life in the service of his country, state and community,” said Brian Boyce, Caucus Chair of the LGBT Democrats of Virginia. He continued, “To disqualify him from being the first openly gay judge based solely upon his sexual-orientation is a disgrace to our Commonwealth.”
“We believe that Virginians deserve more from their leaders,” said Tiffany Joslyn, PAC President of the LGBT Democrats of Virginia. “We are dedicated to working to ensure that the day comes where public servants like Tracy Thorne-Begland are judged based on their qualifications, and not their sexual-orientation.” She continued, “With this vote, Republicans have clearly shown that that they are not able to govern without discriminating.”