Confirmation Hearing For Mass. SJC Nominee Barbara Lenk

BOSTON (AP) -- Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court nominee Barbara Lenk says her allegiance is to the rule of law and her personal life experiences do not influence her actions as a judge.

Lenk was questioned by members of the Governor's Council during her confirmation hearing on Wednesday. If confirmed by the eight-member council, Lenk -- who is currently a state appeals court judge -- would become the first openly gay justice of the state's highest court.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports

Asked by one councilor to name cases she had heard involving gay issues, Lenk said the appeals court did not keep such records.

Lenk did say she believed gay marriage was "settled law" in Massachusetts.

Prior to testimony, Lenk was praised by a number of witnesses including SJC Chief Justice Roderick Ireland.

But several social conservatives urged the council to reject her nomination.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)