Officials speak out over man’s refusal to marry interracial couples

2009-10-18 01:03:52 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Law, News)

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is calling for the investigation of a justice of the peace who refuses to marry interracial couples.

Many are outraged over a Louisiana Justice of the Peace openly admitting he refuses to marry interracial couples.

Louisiana (WiredPRNews.com) – After a Louisiana Justice of the Peace openly admitted to his refusal to marry interracial couples, the state’s governor and others are calling for him to be investigated. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), many are labeling the actions of Keith Bardwell, a white Tangipahoa Parish justice of the peace who recently refused to grant a marriage license to a couple because they are of different races, a miscarriage of justice.

Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal is quoted by the AP as stating of the issue, “Disciplinary action should be taken immediately — including the revoking of his license.”

Bill Quigley, who directs the Center for Constitutional Rights and Justice, is further quoted as stating, “A justice of the peace is legally obligated to serve the public, all of the public… Racial discrimination has been a violation of Louisiana and U.S. law for decades. No public official has the right to pick and choose which laws they are going to follow.”

Quigley is quoted in the report as remarking of Bardwell’s assertion that his refusal is for the protection of mixed race children, “Perhaps he’s worried the kids will grow up and be president” in reference to the heritage of President Barack Obama, who was born to a white mother, and black father.

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