Out Lesbian Alison Nathan Confirmed to Federal Bench

The U.S. Senate confirmed Alison Nathan to serve as a federal judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in a close 48-44 vote Thursday that followed last-minute accusations from a conservative women’s group about the “impartiality and judicial temperament” of the out lesbian nominee.

Nathan became the second of four openly gay appointees from President Barack Obama to be confirmed to the federal bench. In July, the Senate confirmed J. Paul Oetken to the Southern District of New York.

“The President welcomes the confirmation of Alison Nathan,” said White House spokesman Shin Inouye in a statement. “She will serve the American people well from the District Court bench.”

The 48 to 44 vote proved unexpectedly close for a nomination that had proceeded without controversy. All Democrats present voted yes and all Republicans, including four judiciary committee members who supported the 14-4 vote to report her nomination to the full senate in July, voted no.

http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/10/13/Out_Lesbian_Alison_Nathan_Confirmed_to_Federal_Bench/