The former Senate majority leader, who has opposed every bill to protect LGBT Rights since 1995—including the anti-sodomy laws, marriage equality along with hate crime and reproductive rights legislation—has been given a lifetime appointment as a member of the Rhode Island Judiciary.

In January, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-1 to advance Governor Dan McKee’s nomination of Michael McCaffrey to fill a District Court vacancy to the full chamber for confirmation. The full state senate went on to vote for McCaffrey 27–8.

Sen. Dawn Euer, a Newport Democrat, cast the lone vote on the Judiciary Committee against McCaffrey’s nomination. Euer was deputy director for the successful campaign to legalize same-sex marriage in Rhode Island in 2013. In a statement, she said, “The ground has shifted underneath us in many ways as the federal administration has continued to undermine the rule of law and civil rights. … It is critical that we are making … judicial selections that will strengthen our state judiciary during these tumultuous times.”

Reported the Boston Globe following the state senate’s confirmation vote:

Senator Dawn Euer, a Newport Democrat, voted against McCaffrey’s nomination, saying his appointment was “a return to politics as usual, where connections matter more than merit and transparency.” 

“Unfortunately, his appointment underscores a hard truth: historic efforts to create a merit-based judicial selection system are failing,” she said.

Euer emphasized that state courts wield immense power over daily life, deciding who stays housed through eviction calendars, who is protected through restraining orders, and who can vote.

Senator Samuel W. Bell, a Providence Democrat, voted for McCaffrey’s nomination, although he had voted against McCaffrey as a Senate leader in the past because of his conservative views on abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and guns. 

Bell suggested McCaffrey’s views on those issues have evolved, and he said, “There are two areas where he has always had solid progressive views, even when the rest of his views were much more conservative, and those just happen to be criminal justice and civil law.”

Bell said many of his constituents are concerned McCaffrey could someday become a Rhode Island Supreme Court justice. “It was very important to my constituents that when we get a Supreme Court nominee, they not only be willing to express support for LGBTQ rights and abortion rights, but actually be willing to demonstrate [that support].” 

Besides Euer, those voting against McCaffrey were Democratic Senators Jonathon Acosta of Central Falls, Meghan E. Kallman of Pawtucket, Tiara T. Mack of Providence, Linda L. Ujifusa of Portsmouth, Bridget Valverde of North Kingstown, Lammis J. Vargas of Cranston, and Samuel D. Zurier of Providence.

Read the complete Boston Globe story here.

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