[patriciaruth]

There is open discussion of "seats" on the Supreme Court based on the genetics of their birth. I grant it is all rather stupid.

But if it is okay to talk about seats for women, for blacks, maybe for an hispanic, what is the big deal about discussing one's sexual orientation?

I personally don't care if one is male/female, black/Hispanic/white, or gay. I am interested in their judicial philosophy. But genetics and identification with certain groups can mean you are more likely to hold one view than another.

If one's sexual orientation is a no-no, that implies it is something disgraceful, to be hidden. If that is true, we shouldn't allow spouses to accompany Supreme Court nominees to their nomination announcement.

[Texasforever]

Here is the problem. The big gay organizations have been threatening to out Souter for several years and it is more than obvious that if he IS gay he did not want to be outed. That is the problem since that is where pressure can be brought to bear. I have no problem if he is gay BUT I do have a problem with the prospect of him making decisions under the threat of being outed.