LGBTQ

Senate Confirms First Lesbian Judge to a Federal Appeals Court

Robinson, 56, has served as an associate justice on the Vermont Supreme Court since 2011

In this Nov. 28 2011 file photo, long-time gay rights advocate Beth Robinson takes the oath of office on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, in Montpelier, Vt. As voted by reporters and editors from Vermont AP members, Robinson was voted one of the top stories in Vermont in 2011.
AP Photo/Toby Talbot, File

Vermont Supreme Court Justice Beth Robinson has been confirmed to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, making her the first out lesbian to serve on any federal circuit court.

The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Robinson 51-45 on Monday after President Joe Biden nominated her in August. The 13 federal courts of appeals, or circuit courts, are the last stop before a case would be heard before the Supreme Court.

Robinson, 56, has served as an associate justice on the Vermont Supreme Court since 2011 and previously was counsel to then-Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin from 2010 to 2011. 

For more on this story, go to NBC News.

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