Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Here comes the (gay) judge?

The U.K. is still feeling the impact of a policy that until 1991 allowed only married persons to be appointed as judges. LGBT legal professionals still shy away from seeking seats on the bench, according to a study by Interlaw, a network of out lawyers.

"The chilling effect of this exclusion is likely to have shaped the careers and career expectations of the most senior legal professionals who have the skills and characteristics that would otherwise make them suitable candidates," said law professor Leslie Moran at a recent lecture.