Judge Cindy Lederman Demoted

Judge David J. Audlin Jr. was the first rule Florida's gay adoption ban was unconstitutional. Judge Cindy Lederman was the second judge. Neither ruling changed Florida's anti gay adoption law. Both rulings only effected the communities the decisions was cast.

Lederman is getting demoted.

The new chief judge, Joel H. Brown, issued a short statement Monday to The Miami Herald through a spokeswoman, saying he had tapped Circuit Judge Orlando Prescott, currently in criminal court, as the new administrative judge in juvenile. Circuit Judge George Sarduy, already in child welfare court, will serve as Prescott's deputy.

''Since being elected chief judge in February, I have carefully assessed the current and future needs of the circuit,'' Brown said.

''Judges Prescott and Sarduy were chosen in an effort to allow for new leadership opportunities and to bring fresh perspectives, as well as their own strong backgrounds, to the leadership of the Juvenile Division,'' Brown said. ``Both are well respected for their passionate commitment to the law and to the community they serve.''

Waymon Hudson recounts his experiences with Lederson.

When we appeared before her to become the foster parents of our son, she was fair, smart, and completely invested in doing what was best for him. She teared up when we gave him a permanent home (as permanent as possible under the ban) and saw how happy we all were in subsequent court appearances. She had been his judge for years, often corresponding with him during tough times, like when the state made horrible decisions that ended up leaving him homeless.

She even hugged him and us after the initial hearing.

My family, and the many other families that Judge Lederman helped form and became part of, will miss her leadership and compassion.

It is hard not to see Brown's decision to demote Lederman as not being about politics. Brown is an elected official and has to run again. Lederman will continue to serve in juvenile court. She will no longer be the head judge.