Gay Rights Groups Back Lesbian Law Profs for Supreme Court
Gay rights groups are promoting two openly lesbian law professors from Stanford University to replace retiring Justice David H. Souter on the Supreme Court.
Both women—former Stanford dean Kathleen Sullivan and law professor Pam Karlan—have been mentioned as possible replacements for Souter, Politico reports. The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund is applauding the possibility of a nomination for either woman, the story says.
Karlan told Politico she isn’t counting on an appointment. “I’m flattered, but not fooled, by having my name tossed around,” she said.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs says Obama is looking for someone with diversity in background and experience. Contacted by Politico, aides refused to say if sexual orientation would be a diversity factor.
But conservative activist Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council says he doubts President Obama will nominate a gay to the Supreme Court because of the possibility of a political battle. “That would enter a whole new element into the debate that I don’t think he’s ready for,” Perkins told Politico. He said his group would focus on judicial views, however, and would not investigate sexual preferences.
