LGBTQ Judges

Deborah Batts Celebrates 25 Years on the Federal Bench

June 25, 2019 — More than 100 judges, law clerks and attorneys gathered to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the confirmation of Judge Deborah Batts as the first out LGBT Article III federal judge.

Chief Judge Robert Katzmann of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit presided over the celebration. Speakers included U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (via video), Judge Ona Wang (former intern of Judge Batts), and Judge Paul Oetken.

In a short film, federal judges Batts, Oetken, Alison Nathan and Pamela Chen reflected on their confirmation process and provided funny anecdotes about their background checks.

Judge Dan Anders presented a plaque on behalf of our Association, and Matthew Skinner presented a plaque on behalf of the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission of the NY Courts.