Lambda Legal Applauds Historic Nomination of First Openly LGBT Judge to New York High Court

(New York, June 15, 2017) — Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo made judicial history by nominating Associate Justice Paul Feinman to the New York Court of Appeals. He is the first openly LGBT person to serve on the state’s high court. Lambda Legal released the following statement from Associate Legal Director and Director of Constitutional Litigation, Susan Sommer:

“Lambda Legal applauds Governor Cuomo’s selection of Justice Paul Feinman to fill the vacant seat on the New York Court of Appeals left by the tragic death of Justice Sheila Abdus-Salaam. Justice Paul Feinman, who is openly gay, has a long and highly distinguished career as a jurist. With this historic appointment, Justice Feinman will become New York’s first openly LGBT person to serve on the high court.

“I am proud to serve with Justice Feinman on the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission of the New York State Courts, where he has demonstrated his commitment to equality and justice for all New Yorkers.

"It is more important than ever that our courts reflect the rich diversity of our country. Justice Feinman brings not only integrity and experience to the New York Court of Appeals, but also groundbreaking diversity.  Our courts are charged with providing every person with equal access to justice, and yet for some, justice has not always been a reality. A diverse judicial system improves the quality of justice and boosts public confidence in our courts.”