Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin has appointed Glasgow Attorney Traci Peppers as the interim family court judge for Barren and Metcalfe counties. The vacancy was created when Judge Mitchell Nance resigned over his refusal to hear adoption cases involving gay couples.
Peppers is a private practice attorney who specializes in family law cases. She formerly served as assistant prosecutor in the Barren and Metcalfe Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.
“It is an honor to serve the children and families in our community, and I promise to work hard for the community that I love," Peppers said in a statement from the governor's office.
Peppers will fill Judge Nance’s seat until the November election that will feature Peppers and Glasgow Attorney Mica Wood Pence. The winner of the non-partisan race will fill the remainder of Nance’s eight-year term.
Nance said his religious beliefs prevented him from presiding over adoptions involving same-sex couples. He stepped down from the bench last year about halfway through his term.
Peppers will be sworn in on February 15. Until then, retired Judge Phil Patton will continue overseeing family court cases for Barren and Metcalfe counties.
