Patriot Update

An openly gay prosecutor has been appointed in Virginia to take the bench as a district judge, despite the state General Assembly’s rejection of his nomination last month.

Tracy Thorne-Begland, whose appointment by Richmond Circuit Court judges will begin July 1, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch, “I am humbled by the circuit court’s decision.”

“I look forward to serving the citizens of the city of Richmond as a jurist and, over the coming months, I hope that my service provides comfort to all Virginians that I remain committed to the faithful application of the laws and constitutions of Virginia and the United States of America,” he said
.