Jim Beaux
09-20-2008, 03:08 PM
They say everyone is equal in the eyes of the law.
But for years gay and lesbian awareness groups have protested against the ‘double-glazed pink glass ceiling’ that prevents gay and lesbian legal professionals from accessing the most senior judicial roles.
Now 58-year-old barrister and former Olympic fencer, Sir Terence Etherton, has succeeded in becoming the first openly gay judge to be sworn in as Lord Justice of Appeal.
Sir Terry’s promotion, arose from a formal recommendation from Gordon Brown partly due to his valuable contribution as chairman of the Law Commission and was welcomed by gay rights campaigners.
Supporters described him as the ‘epitome of a modern judge’ who ensured that both sides always got a fair hearing, according to the Independent.
Sir Terry told the newspaper: ‘It is a great honour to be appointed to the Court of Appeal. My appointment reflects the high standing of the Law Commission, the Government’s legal reform body. My appointment also shows that diversity in sexuality is not a bar to preferment up to the highest levels of the judiciary.'
More http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1058749/Gay-judge-shatters-pink-glass-ceiling-landmark-promotion.html
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But for years gay and lesbian awareness groups have protested against the ‘double-glazed pink glass ceiling’ that prevents gay and lesbian legal professionals from accessing the most senior judicial roles.
Now 58-year-old barrister and former Olympic fencer, Sir Terence Etherton, has succeeded in becoming the first openly gay judge to be sworn in as Lord Justice of Appeal.
Sir Terry’s promotion, arose from a formal recommendation from Gordon Brown partly due to his valuable contribution as chairman of the Law Commission and was welcomed by gay rights campaigners.
Supporters described him as the ‘epitome of a modern judge’ who ensured that both sides always got a fair hearing, according to the Independent.
Sir Terry told the newspaper: ‘It is a great honour to be appointed to the Court of Appeal. My appointment reflects the high standing of the Law Commission, the Government’s legal reform body. My appointment also shows that diversity in sexuality is not a bar to preferment up to the highest levels of the judiciary.'
More http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1058749/Gay-judge-shatters-pink-glass-ceiling-landmark-promotion.html
.