The newly created
American Bar Association Commission on Sexual
Orientation and Gender Identity will work to eliminate bias
and discrimination against LGBT attorneys, justices,
and figures in the judicial system, according to a
statement released by the commission Friday.
The newly created
American Bar Association Commission on Sexual
Orientation and Gender Identity will work to eliminate bias
and discrimination against LGBT attorneys, justices,
and figures in the judicial system, according to a
statement released by the commission Friday.
ABA president
William H. Neukom said that the organization's commitment
to equality is reflected in its opposing public
discrimination that is based on sexual orientation and
gender identity. Neukom said that in February 2007 the
ABA added LGBT people to its Goal IX, adopted in 1991,
which promotes full and equal participation in the legal
profession by minorities, women, and persons with
disabilities.
“The
commission’s creation recognizes that diversity in
the legal profession is beneficial for all lawyers,
just as it is in the larger community,” said
Jeffrey G. Gibson of San Francisco, appointed to chair
the new commission.
Members are
Pamela C. Enslen of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Courtney G. Joslin of
Davis, Calif.; Jeffrey E. M. Joyner, Patrick McGlone, David
Remes, Paul M. Smith, and Melvin White, all of
Washington, D.C.; E. John Krumholtz of Arlington, Va.;
Jennifer Levi of Easthampton, Mass.; Shannon Minter and
Therese M. Stewart, both of San Francisco; and Abby R.
Rubenfeld of Nashville. Mark D. Agrast of Washington,
D.C., a past member of the ABA board of governors and
past chair of the ABA Section of Individual Rights and
Responsibilities, is a special adviser to the commission.
The ABA has more
than 413,000 members, making it the largest voluntary
professional membership organization in the world. (The
Advocate)
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