Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic US Supreme Court confirmation ‘offers LGBT+ community hope’
LGBT groups react as Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed for Supreme Court (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
LGBT+ groups have said Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to the United States Supreme Court “offers hope” to the queer community.
On Thursday (7 April) Jackson, 51, was confirmed to the Supreme Court by the US Senate, the first female Black justice in the court’s 233-year history.
Three Republicans crossed the aisle to appoint her to the court, which she won by a vote of 53 to 47. She will replace fellow liberal justice Stephen Breyer, 83, when he retires in June.
In a statement following Jackson’s confirmation, the White House said: “Judge Jackson is one of our nation’s brightest legal minds and has an unusual breadth of experience in our legal system, giving her the perspective to be an exceptional justice.”
Historic moment for our courts and for our country. Congratulations, Judge Jackson. pic.twitter.com/eLSfs1QoHB
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 7, 2022
The Los Angeles LGBT Center said it hopes Jackson’s appointment will “protect and expand LGBTQ equality” across America.
The centre’s executive director, Joe Hollendoner, said: “At a time when the LGBTQ community is under attack within statehouses across the country, the honourable Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation offers hope that the highest court in the land will protect and expand LGBTQ equality as well as the rights of all other systemically oppressed communities.
“Her confirmation hearings put Black excellence on display for all to witness, particularly when she faced questions from senators underscoring the white supremacy and misogyny that continues to be pervasive in our institution and culture.
“Now, with a more diverse representation of the United States, may the Supreme Court further codify our rights to exist, love, and thrive.”
Congratulations to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for her appointment to the Supreme Court. This is a great day for America, and a proud moment in our history. pic.twitter.com/q4C9dtKAqb— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 7, 2022
Executive director of Equality California, Tony Hoang, said Jackson’s appointment is a “moment of celebration”.
“This is a moment of celebration, as an exceptionally qualified Black woman will serve on the high court for the first time in history,” he said.
He added: “Throughout her confirmation process, judge Jackson has demonstrated exactly why president Biden nominated her to serve a lifetime appointment on the court.
“She showed the country her deep respect for and knowledge of the Constitution, her commitment to equal justice and her unwavering fair-mindedness. And she showed young people across the country that no dream is too big, and no obstacle is too high.”
Posting a selfie with Jackson after her historic confirmation, president Joe Biden said: “Judge Jackson’s confirmation was a historic moment for our nation. We’ve taken another step toward making our highest court reflect the diversity of America.
“She will be an incredible justice, and I was honoured to share this moment with her.”
