US Senate unanimously confirms first openly gay black federal judge

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The US Senate on Tuesday voted unanimously to confirm the appointment of the first openly gay black judge in the federal courts.

Darrin P Gayles will serve in the district of Florida, after being a circuit judge since 2011.

The George Washington University law school graduate was previously a county judge.

Steve Adkins, the president of the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce said the vote, 97-0 for, was testament to Gayles’ character.

“I’m so proud of him. That is such wonderful news. Not only is it a milestone, it’s such a great reward for a job well done,” Adkins said.

Judge Gayles was named by President Obama in February.