Obama Nominates Openly Gay Judge For Court Of Appeals

Justice Department Attorney Todd Hughes could become the first openly gay judge on the federal appeals court after President Obama's nomination on Feb. 7.

In order for Hugues to become a federal judge, he would first have to be confirmed by the Senate.

LGBT rights groups like Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund issued responses praising the president's choice.

"If confirmed, Todd Hughes would become the first openly gay federal appeals court judge in U.S. history. His nomination is a testament to the expanding opportunities for openly LGBT Americans who want to serve their country, and to the president's respect for the depth of talent and experience within the LGBT community," Victory Fund President Chuck Wolfe said in a statement.

"We look forward to his confirmation by the U.S. Senate."

This isn't the first time Obama has nominated an openly gay person to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. In 2010, the president nominated Deward DuMont, who after waiting more than 18 months for a confirmation hearing withdrew his nomination, according to Metro Weekly.

Last November, Obama nominated Miami-Dade Judge William Thomas, who could become the first openly gay black man to serve as a federal judge.

A 2010 Associated Press story states that since his first term, Obama has appointed more openly gay officials than any other president in history.