Im Pissed: Interracial Couple Denied Marriage License
October 17th 2009 -
A Louisiana justice of the peace refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have.
Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long. Bardwell said he was not a racist. “I do ceremonies for black couples right here in my house,” Bardwell said. “My main concern is for the children.” That’s what all racists say, “but I have black friends.” I’m sickened.
Beth Humphrey, 31, and Terence McKay, 32, say they will consult the U.S. Justice Department about filing a discrimination complaint. The ACLU was preparing a letter for the Louisiana Supreme Court, which oversees the state justices of the peace, asking them to investigate Bardwell and see if they can remove him from office.
Being a product of an interracial marriage, I’d like to point out that my parents have been married 40+ years and I didn’t “turn out” too shabby.
