Ceremonial Swearing-In For Montgomery County LGBT Judge
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- A proud day for new Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Judge Daniel Clifford at his ceremonial swearing-in, where he celebrates being the first LGBT candidate outside of Philadelphia to win a county-wide election in Pennsylvania.
Judge Daniel Clifford calls his husband, Jonathan Weingold, a trailblazer; back in the early 90s, the two were often the only gay couple attending Bar Association events.
"To be the only gay couple in the audience of particularly conservative lawyers, it was difficult, but we're that in the end it all turned out well," Clifford said.
Clifford notes how much things have changed, calling Montgomery County Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes' decision to begin issuing same-sex marriage licences quote, "the shot heard round the world."also crediting the Supreme Court decision for swaying public opinion:
He also credits the Supreme Court decision for swaying public opinion. "It was almost like it was a positive to be out and I was embraced by everyone throughout the process this last time," he said.
As for any concerns that he comes to the bench with an agenda, he says his push through his career has been to make the system more user-friendly.