From Denis Dison at the Victory Fund:

Alison Nathan has been confirmed by the full U.S. Senate as a federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. She becomes only the second out lesbian ever to serve on the federal bench.

“This is another step toward an America whose leadership class more accurately reflects the country it serves,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute. ”For too long gays and lesbians have been excluded from key public service roles, but that’s beginning to change. We must continue fighting for opportunities for qualified, talented people like Alison Nathan, who also happen to be open and honest about themselves.”

Nathan’s nomination was met with resistance from Republicans who said she lacked the necessary experience, a claim that was strongly disputed by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. The vote was 48-44, with no Republicans supporting the nomination.

“The President welcomes the confirmation of Alison Nathan. She will serve the American people well from the District Court bench,” White House spokesman Shin Inouye told Metro Weekly.