Their Bias Is Clear and Shameful The Virginia Legislature disgraced itself last week, rejecting the nomination of Tracy Thorne-Begland, a widely respected prosecutor, to be the first openly gay judge on the Commonwealth bench. Mr. Thorne-Begland was the only one of 37 nominees denied appointment to district courts in the final minutes of the session. House Republicans shamefully pandered to election-year politics dictated by the Family Foundation, an anti-gay pressure group. They contended that Mr. Thorne-Begland, who is in a family relationship with his male partner and two children, could not properly uphold the state Constitution's ban on gay marriage, and would let supposed pro-gay bias drive his judicial decisions. These Republicans, of course, uttered no concerns about judicial bias in approving the nominations of a lawmaker dedicated to gun rights, or of a lifelong pro-labor nominee and 34 others identified with assorted causes. During his decade of service as a Richmond prosecutor, Mr. Thorne-Begland has drawn community praise for his fairness and commitment to the law. His courage is undeniable. Twenty years ago when he was serving as a Navy fighter pilot he told a television interviewer that he was a gay man, drawing an honorable discharge. In the wake of the vote, and with national condemnation mounting, Gov. Robert McDonnell, a Republican being mentioned as a vice-presidential candidate, issued a carefully calibrated statement endorsing "the individual's ability," and never bias, as the standard for judicial appointments. But he failed to condemn the House Republicans" anti-gay display. Virginia's Legislature has denied its courts - and its citizens - the service of a first-rate, responsible legal mind. There is no excuse.