The Alliance of Illinois Judges ( AIJ ) , formed by the gay and lesbian judges of the Circuit Court of Cook County, held its inauguralbreception June 24 at the Chicago Bar Association, 321 S. Plymouth. The day's events featured the swearing-in of the organization's new officers and board of directors.
It was a spirited reception. Over 200 people, mostly members of the judiciary, including Illinois Supreme Court Justice Charles E. Freeman, were in attendance.
"We're all judges here. And, we [ AIJ ] have worked hard to foster important relationships with our allies in the judiciary. The judiciary has changed because we're there as examples for them to see," said the Honorable Tom Chiola, president of AIJ. Chiola, who was also the first openly gay candidate to have been elected to public office in Illinois in 1994, pointed out that by encouraging respect and unbiased treatment for LGBT individuals amongst his colleagues, the argument for same-sex equality becomes less divisive across the board.
"The people in this room are here because they get it. They get it because they're smart and fair, and they get it because we're a part of their everyday lives," he said.
AIJ's influence is growing. Windy City Times recently learned that, at the behest of U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley, D-Ill., AIJ has officially been recognized the House of Representatives.
"When we sit with our fellow judges, our brothers and sisters, I believe we have a positive influence on them," said the Honorable Sebastian Patti, the director of AIJ who was recently named the first openly gay appellate judge in Illinois. "We are, now more than ever before, an important presence in the courts."
In related news, the Illinois Appellate Court has named openly gay Cook County Circuit Court Judge Sebastian Patti, 57, to fill a vacancy on the bench, according to ChicagoBusiness.com . He will succeed Leslie South effective Aug. 3.
The Appellate Court is the second-highest court in Illinois, behind the state supreme court. Patti will serve on the 1st District bench.
Openly gay Cook County Court Judge Tom Chiola, who heads the Alliance of Illinois Judges, said, "We are moving up and on as we perform. We are being judged on our merit —just like everyone else."
When talking with Windy City Times last year about having LGBT judges on the bench, Patti said, "...it is important to have a reflection of society, as a whole. ... If the judges are not reflective of society as a whole, I can understand why people call into question if justice will be fair, impartial and speedy."
—Also contributing: Andrew Davis