![Barbaralenk](https://www.advocate.com/media-library/barbaralenk.jpg?id=32716374&width=1200&height=1666)
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
In a historic move, Gov. Deval Patrick has nominated Barbara A. Lenk to the Massachusetts supreme court, the first state high court to rule for marriage equality, in 2004.
According to The Boston Globe, Lenk, an appellate judge, would be the first openly gay member of the Massachusetts high court and one of only a handful of out state supreme court justices in the country.
"Both Patrick and Lenk acknowledged the groundbreaking nature of the appointment, but stressed her qualifications, including 17 years on the bench, a Harvard law degree, and a doctorate from Yale in political philosophy," reports the Globe about the Monday announcement.
Lenk, who would fill the vacancy to be created when Justice Judith A. Cowin steps down this month, said during the announcement that her sole allegiance is to "the rule of law and to fair and equal treatment of all who come before the court."
"Lenk also spoke about her impoverished upbringing in New York, the daughter of a bookbinder and a housekeeper whose first language was Polish. 'I never expected to be standing here, but the fact that I am shows that my story is the American story, where anything is possible,' she said," the Globe reported.
Lenk, 60, married her partner, attorney Debra Krupp, after the high court ruling that made Massachusetts the first state in the nation to recognize marriage equality. They have two teenage children.
The nomination requires confirmation from the governor's council.
Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, the legal rights group based in New England, issued a statement about the nomination that said in part, "Justice Lenk's confirmation to the SJC would mark a tremendous milestone for the LGBT community in Massachusetts. But it should not overshadow the fact that Justice Lenk is eminently qualified to serve on our state's highest court. She is a careful, meticulous and thoughtful judge who has heart, and someone who is well-respected by her peers in the legal community."
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
After 20 years, and after tonight, Obama will no longer be the Democrats' top star
August 20 2024 12:28 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62
April 27 2024 6:13 PM
Latest Stories
How 'Skincare' tackles women's aging, consent, and othering a queer-coded Latino
September 04 2024 8:00 PM
Here are the 25 transgender Americans lost to violence so far this year
September 04 2024 3:35 PM
Ben Platt marries Noah Galvin in New York celebration
September 04 2024 3:15 PM
53 years ago, Jack Baker and Michael McConnell became the first same-sex couple to wed
September 04 2024 2:27 PM
Even Republicans are against Tennessee’s trans health ban
September 04 2024 1:05 PM
And they're off! 8 things to watch for as the 2024 presidential election kicks into high gear
September 04 2024 10:00 AM
Tim Walz to honor LGBTQ+ community at Human Rights Campaign National Dinner (exclusive)
September 04 2024 9:00 AM
A Virginia college bans transgender students — based on language from the year 1900
September 04 2024 5:39 AM
Harris campaign, others call out Trump for holding events in towns with racist histories
September 04 2024 4:57 AM
Candace Owens claims TikTok makes men gay and causes women to hate them
September 03 2024 6:27 PM
16 LGBTQ+ movies & TV shows to watch in September 2024
September 03 2024 4:21 PM
Transphobic Texas Democrat finds home for bigotry in state Republican Party
September 03 2024 4:07 PM