Vermont Supreme Court justice confirmed to US appeals court

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont Supreme Court Justice Beth Robinson has been confirmed to a seat on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Monday confirmation by the U.S. Senate makes Robinson the first openly LGBTQ woman to serve on any federal circuit court.

Robinson helped argue the case that led to Vermont’s 2000 civil unions law. She has served on the Vermont Supreme Court since 2011.

Vermont’s independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders said Robinson worked tirelessly for more than a decade in service of the people of Vermont.

“More than qualified, Justice Robinson has built a distinguished career based on impartiality and fair application of the law," Sanders said. “She treats people with respect and compassion, and understands the duty of the court to provide equitable justice."

The territory covered by the 2nd Circuit includes Connecticut, New York and Vermont.