Gov. Cuomo Nominates First Openly Gay Justice to NY Highest Court

 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has named the first openly gay judge to New York’s highest court.

Cuomo has nominated Paul Feinman, an appellate court judge and LGBT rights advocate, to fill a vacancy on the New York State Court of Appeals. During an interview on the cable news station NY1, Cuomo praised Feinman’s abilities.

“[He] is an extraordinary human being,” Cuomo said. “And would be a great addition to that court.”

Gay rights advocates have urged Cuomo to appoint an openly gay judge to the court, which often deals with LGBT issues.

State Sen. Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan), the only openly gay member of that chamber, called Feinman a “historic and inspired candidate.”

If he’s confirmed by the state Senate, Feinman would replace Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam, who died earlier this year in what police said was likely a suicide.