Jane Morrison was sworn in as Fulton County State Court Judge today, making her one of the first openly gay judges in Georgia and the Southeast.

Morrison's partner is Joan Garner, who was elected as the first openly gay Fulton County Commissioner in 2010.

Morrison was sworn in by Fulton County Probate Court Judge Pinkie Toomer. Witnessing the historic event, in addition to Garner, were Morrison's mother, father and two sisters, who live in Maine. Also attending the ceremony were several elected officials; Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Cynthia Wright, who is also an out lesbian; and many Atlanta LGBT activists.  

After being officially sworn in, Morrison received a standing ovation from the packed courtroom on the third floor of the Fulton County Courthouse and then a big hug and kiss from Garner.

Morrison served as the Sandy Springs Assistant Solicitor and was elected as Fulton County State Judge in July.

Morrison thanked her family for teaching her the values to allow her to live her live "honestly, openly and with an appreciation of others."

"This is a day in my life I did not expect. A day I would not have predicted when I started my legal career," she said.

"I went to law school and became a lawyer because i wanted to be more involved, to have something, and more importantly, some way to contribute and take part in our shared society," she added.

Morrison also thanked her partner of more than 11 years.

"I want to thank my partner, Commissioner Joan Garner … for all her support and for inspiring me through her own public service to step up and take public office as a way to give and support and share with our community," she said.

"I've run a few marathons and know the prize is in the perseverance, the win is in the work. I'm honored to take this office to have, to have this opportunity at a unique moment in time when possibility and promise have come real in a new way," Morrison added.

Morrison defeated Magistrate Judge Melynee Leftridge with 61 percent of the vote.

Check out more photos from the ceremony by clicking here.

Top photo: Fulton County State Court Judge Jane Morrison; second photo, Morrison being sworn in (on time) by Fulton County Probate Court Judge Pinkie Toomer; last photo, Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner, and Morrison's partner, congratulates Morrison after the swearing in ceremony. Photos by Dyana Bagby