YOUR FAVORITE LOGO TV SHOWS ARE ON PARAMOUNT+

Justice Anthony Kennedy Retiring From the Supreme Court

Kennedy wrote all four of the court’s landmark gay rights rulings.

President Donald Trump will get to make his second nomination to the United States Supreme Court, as Justice Anthony Kennedy, who will turn 82 next month, is retiring.

Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call

UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 28: President Donald Trump greets Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy after addressing a joint session of Congress in the Capitol's House Chamber, February 28, 2017. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Kennedy wrote all four of the court’s landmark gay rights rulings, including the Romer v. Evans decision, ruling against a state constitutional amendment in Colorado preventing LGB people from claiming a protected status; Lawrence v. Texas, striking down sodomy laws; United States v. Windsor, which ended the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); and the marriage equality ruling in 2015, Obergefell v. Hodges.

During his tenure on the Supreme Court, Kennedy, who was appointed by Reagan and took the bench in 1988, has often been called the "swing vote," as he is seen as more moderate than his colleagues, four of whom are considered more progressive, and four more conservative.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 10: U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy delivers remarks before administering the judicial oath to Judge Neil Gorsuch during a ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House April 10, 2017 in Washington, DC. Earlier in the day Gorsuch, 49, was sworn in as the 113th Associate Justice in a private ceremony at the Supreme Court. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

In a letter to Trump today, Kennedy said he would step down from his position on the high court, effective July 31.

"For a member of the legal profession it is the highest of honors to serve on this Court," he wrote. "Please permit me by this letter to express my profound gratitude for having had the privilege to seek in each case how best to know, interpret, and defend the Constitution and the laws that must always conform to its mandates and promises."

A senior White House official said the president intends to push for the swift confirmation of Kennedy's replacement "before the midterm elections," CNN reports. Trump's first nominee, Justice Neil Gorsuch, was confirmed last year.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 10: U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy (R) administers the judicial oath to Judge Neil Gorsuch (L) as his wife Marie Louise Gorshuch holds a bible and President Donald Trump looks on during a ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House April 10, 2017 in Washington, DC. Earlier in the day Gorsuch, 49, was sworn in as the 113th Associate Justice in a private ceremony at the Supreme Court. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Gorsuch replaced Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in 2016, during former President Barack Obama's final term. Republicans successfully blocked the nomination of his pick, Judge Merrick Garland.

"It's impossible to overstate how much is at stake for transgender people and anyone concerned with basic fairness in this country," said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, in a statement. "We hope every senator knows the American people do not want 40 years of Trump's values on the Supreme Court."

Eric Thayer/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 10: President Donald Trump speaks as U.S. Supreme Court Associates Justice Neil Gorsuch and Anthony Kennedy watch during a ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House April 10, 2017 in Washington, DC. Earlier in the day Gorsuch, 49, was sworn in as the 113th Associate Justice in a private ceremony at the Supreme Court. (Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images)

“In just the first year of his tenure, Justice Gorsuch has waged war on voting rights, labor rights, and equality under the law. Yet another Trump appointee would make this situation far worse," Keisling continued.

"The next justice could cast pivotal votes on whether it is legal to fire a transgender employee, target transgender students at school, or refuse health care to transgender patients. Unfortunately, every member of President Trump’s ‘shortlist’ has been vetted to ensure they will not uphold these basic rights.”

Latest News