As we all expected after hearing the news yesterday, civil rights advocates in eastern Louisiana are calling for the resignation of a justice of the peace of Tangipahoa Parish after he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple.
According to the Associated Press, the leaders of the American Civil Liberties Union in Louisiana and the Center for Constitutional Rights and Justice in New York said Keith Bardwell, a white justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish in the southeastern part of the state, should quit immediately. Earlier this month, Bardwell refused to issue a marriage license to Beth Humphrey, who is white, and Terence McKay (above), who is black.
"Perhaps he's worried the kids will grow up and be president," said Bill Quigley, director of the Center for Constitutional Rights and Justice.
Did Bardwell think no one was going to complain about this?
is that [refusing to issue the license] even legal? as long as both parties are human, of age and not legally married to someone else [and in many places, of opposite genders] there is no legal reason to refuse. good luck to beth and terence for a long and happy life together.
Posted by: lwt | October 17, 2009 at 05:35 AM
Why is there always a streak of stupid and intolerant in humans that has to constantly parade itself? I don't understand it, and hope my children live in a world that is ignorant of it. And Beth and Terry's...
Posted by: Evelyn | October 17, 2009 at 12:00 PM