posted on August 10, 2004 01:24:38 AM newGreat News in the Michigan Legal Picture!!
GOV. GRANHOLM APPOINTS FIRST OPENLY GAY JUDGE
Rudy Serra is Michigan’s most recognized Gay Rights Attorney
Detroit – For the first time in history, an openly gay person has become a Judge in the State of Michigan. Governor Jennifer M. Granholm appointed Rudy Serra, the most recognized openly gay attorney in Michigan, to the Wayne County 36th District Court. The appointment was announced by the Governor of 25 June 2004.
Several openly gay people have been appointed to state posts under Governor Granholm, but this is the first openly gay appointment to a judgeship in the history of Michigan.
“The Governor’s appointment was based on qualification, experience, education and background.” Serra said. “She showed courage, good judgment, professionalism and commitment to the best interests of the citizens. The most qualified candidate also happened to be gay. The Governor refused to discriminate based upon sexual orientation. She decided to appoint the best person for the job regardless of their sexual orientation, race, religion or other personal characteristics. My goal is to live-up to the confidence she has expressed.”
“A diverse judiciary helps to shed fair and equitable light on social issues and social justice,” said Jeffrey Montgomery, Executive Director of Triangle Foundation. “Rudy is a champion for equal rights and fairness in our legal system. He has always fought for the disenfranchised. As a School Board Member, County Commissioner and Human Rights Commissioner, he has proven his dedication to serving the entire community. We applaud the Governor for her wise and inclusive choice.”
“Michigan’s judicial system will improve by having Rudy Serra on the bench,” said Sean Kosofsky, Director of Policy for Triangle Foundation. “Serra is committed to fairness, justice accountability and strong families.”
Serra was the first openly gay person ever elected to the Ferndale School Board, and the first openly gay person ever elected to the Oakland County Commission. He is a member of the Triangle Foundation Board of Trustees and was a Co-Chair of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee of the Open Justice Commission for the State Bar of Michigan. He is a Licensed Social Worker and a Certified Clinical Psychopathologist. Serra was selected as a Michigan Lawyer of the Year in 2000, and received the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award in 2001. He was a Torch Bearer in the 2002 Winter Olympics. Serra represented The Triangle Foundation in the first-ever successful lawsuit against a State Legislator for anti-gay defamation in 1998, and in 1999, he successfully represented The Triangle Foundation in a case that forced the Michigan Supreme Court to finally define the felony of “gross indecency.” He is a published author, former college professor, and Referee for the Michigan Dept. of Civil Rights.
Wow! That is really an impressive list of crenditials!
posted on August 10, 2004 07:34:17 AM new
Great News for What. That doesn't mean open season now for gay unions.
So this doesn't get burried in your C&P, this is why it was done.
The Governor’s appointment was based on qualification, experience, education and background.” Serra said. “She showed courage, good judgment, professionalism and commitment to the best interests of the citizens. The most qualified candidate also happened to be gay. The Governor refused to discriminate based upon sexual orientation. She decided to appoint the best person for the job regardless of their sexual orientation, race, religion or other personal characteristics. My goal is to live-up to the confidence she has expressed.”
Does this mean that Michigan will allow gay Marriages. No. It just says this person has the qualifications for the position.
posted on August 10, 2004 07:47:31 AM new
[i]No. It just says this person has the qualifications for the position.
[/i]
I agree with you that this doesn't mean gay marriage is around the corner in Michigan.
However, it does show a changing attitude within society. Until very recently, an openly gay person would not have been appointed.Like women and blacks before them, gays are slowly breaking down barriers.
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"Bad temper is its own scourge. Few things are more bitter than to feel bitter. A man's venom poisons himself more than his victim." --Charles Buxton
posted on August 10, 2004 08:53:24 AM new
Hopefully down the road we will see our first openly gay president elected because he showed courage, good judgment, professionalism and commitment to the best interests of the citizens.
Let's have a BBQ, Texas style, ROAST BUSH
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YOU CAN'T HAVE BULLSH** WITH OUT BUSH.
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We the people, in order to form a more perfect Union....
.....one Nation indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for ALL.
“Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we! They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.” ~ George W. Bush, 8/5/04
“Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we! They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.” ~ George W. Bush, 8/5/04
posted on August 10, 2004 02:56:06 PM new
If Rudy Serra was the most qualified person up for the position, he should have gotten the job. Sexual orientation should not come into question, unless it is illegal. (Something you could be prosecuted for...child molestation for example.)
