New York State to form first judicial LGBT Commission
Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks Announce Landmark Commission
Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks formed a judicial LGBT Commission, making New York state the first state in the country with a commission of this kind for the LGBT community, the judges announced on Wednesday.
“I am heartened by the historic gains made by LGBT members throughout society, among them LGBT persons within the Unified Court System, who are now well represented in our judicial and non-judicial ranks,” said DiFiore. “Yet for their many advances in American society in recent years, LGBT members continue all too often to face discrimination, bullying and hate-motivated violence.”
The commission, per the press release, will serve as an advocate for LGBT issues and LGBT members of the court community. It will also serve as a liaison between the judiciary and LGBT individuals in the court system and legal profession. It will also collaborate with LGBT advocacy organizations, bar association and community groups.