This week, the Senate confirmed openly gay Judge Michael Fitzgerald to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Fitzgerald is the fourth openly gay nominee for the federal bench under President Obama, and the first openly gay federal judge in California. Of his appointment, Fitzgerald said:

“I am honored by the Senate’s confirmation vote today. I am grateful to the President for my nomination.... I look forward to serving the people of the Central District of California.”

As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and an experienced attorney in private practice, Fitzgerald’s diverse experience includes defending LGBT rights and prosecuting crime in Los Angeles. He has been hailed by members of the LGBT and legal communities for his integrity, experience, and ethics. The White House said of this historic confirmation:

“The President welcomes the confirmation of Michael Fitzgerald. He will serve the American people well on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.”

Read more about Judge Fitzgerald.