Same-sex marriage opponents are calling on the Cook County Circuit Court Judge presiding over two Illinois same-sex marriage cases to recuse herself because she is an out lesbian.
Sophia H. Hall, is a charter member for LGBT judicial association The Alliance of Illinois Judges, according to the alliance's website. She is also the judge presiding over two coordinated cases brought by the American Civil Liberties Union and Lambda Legal that seek marriage equality in Illinois.
The two organizations are suing on behalf of 25 same-sex couples who say that Illinois civil unions have fallen short of the promise of equality. Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Cook County State's Attorney and Cook County Clerk David Orr, who is named in the suits, have all refused to defend the ban on same-sex marriage.
Hall has granted two downstate clerks intervenor status to argue in favor of the ban.
But same-sex marriage adversaries argue that Hall is biased and should recuse herself from the case.
Anti-gay group Americans for the Truth About Homosexuality lists several instances in which Hall has participated in LGBT life in the city, including her mention in Windy City Times publisher Tracy Baim's book "Out and Proud in Chicago."
