N.J. Gov. Chris Christie has nominated gay GOP mayor Bruce Harris to the state supreme court, according to Advocate.com . Harris, an African American, is the mayor of Chatham, N.J.
" [ Harris ] will become the first openly LGBT person in history, and the third African-American person in history, to serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court," Garden State Equality Executive Director Goldstein said in a statement. "Most importantly, Bruce is eminently qualified to be a Supreme Court justice."
Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said in a statement, "We congratulate Bruce Harris on his nomination to the highest court in New Jersey and applaud Governor Christie for choosing a highly qualified candidate.
"It sends a powerful message that LGBT people can and do contribute to our communities in a variety of capacities.Courts around the country are greatly lacking in LGBT diversity and with thousands of qualified LGBT attorneys in the U.S., we look forward to the day when our courts better reflect the composition of our country."
Log Cabin Republicans: Governor Chris Christie models a strong, inclusive GOP
( Washington, DC ) - Log Cabin Republicans applaud New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for appointing Bruce Harris to the New Jersey state Supreme Court. Harris recently made history as the first African American, openly gay Republican elected mayor. When confirmed, Mayor Harris will be the first openly LGBT person in history, and the third African-American person in history, to serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court.
"New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is the future of the Republican Party. He is successfully turning New Jersey around, is a powerful voice for conservative principles, and his inclusive attitude, most recently demonstrated by appointing Mayor Harris to the state Supreme Court, represents today's GOP voter," said R. Clarke Cooper, Executive Director of Log Cabin Republicans. "This appointment is consistent with Governor Christie's strong support for nondiscrimination, including signing the strongest anti-bullying legislation in the nation. As the New Jersey legislature considers passing marriage equality this session, Log Cabin Republicans remain hopeful Governor Christie will continue his inclusive leadership by agreeing with Republican champions across the country that freedom means freedom for everybody."