Newsmakers of the Year

Federal judges Vaughn Walker and Virginia Phillips

To antigay groups, they represent the apex of “judicial activism,” though if federal district judges Vaughn Walker and Virginia Phillips had ruled against gay rights, both would likely be considered heroes by those same social conservative organizations. Thankfully, the two jurists ruled this year on the side of justice and equality — Judge Walker in striking down Proposition 8, Judge Phillips in striking down “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Both cases were judged on the merits, and the two written opinions that resulted should be required reading for all — especially those who seek to discount them.