Obama Renominates Gay Appeals Judge

President Barack Obama renominated Edward C. DuMont to a position on the U.S. court of appeals for the federal circuit, which could make him the first openly gay judge to hold such a position.

DuMont was recommended in April 2010, but Congress did not vote on his nomination during the last session. His name was resubmitted for approval by the 112th Congress, which began meeting this week.

Metro Weekly reports that DuMont would be the first openly gay appellate judge in the country. If confirmed, he would hear appeals on cases not based on geography as the other circuits do, but instead based on subject, including lawsuits against the government and cases concerning patent law.

DuMont is currently a partner at the WilmerHale law firm in its litigation/controversy department and a member of the appellate and Supreme Court litigation practice group.