Openly gay Judge Sebastian Patti was sworn in by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke as an Illinois Appellate Court judge Monday, Aug. 3, in front of dozens of friends and family, and some of Chicago’s and the state’s top politicians, including Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Supreme Court Justice Anne M. Burke swore Patti in as his partner, Garrison Clarke, stood behind him. Colleagues and friends spoke in support of Patti, and when it was his turn to speak, he especially focused on friendships and family. Also in attendance were other gay judges, including Tom Chiola and Nancy Katz. Patti, who had been an elected Cook County Circuit Court Judge, is now the highest ranking openly gay judge in Illinois (he was appointed to the post). The Appellate Court is the second-highest court in Illinois, behind the state Supreme Court. Patti will serve on the 1st District bench. #1 Judge Tom Chiola (left) was present when Sebastian Patti (right) became the first openly gay member of the Illinois Appellate Court. #2 Brandon Neese, Dawn Clark Netsch, Patti and Alderman Tom Tunney. # 3Patti being sworn in as Clarke looks on. Photos by Hal Baim.
Patti sworn in as Illinois Appellate Court judge
