Louisiana Justice Resigns

Last month Tangipahoa Parish Justice of the Peace Keith Bardwell refused to marry a couple because they were a mixed couple. This was not the first time Bardwell had refused to perform such a ceremony; apparently Bardwell routinely refused to marry interracial couples on the grounds that he believed it harmed children to have parents of mixed race.

Beth Humphrey, who happens to be white, and Terence McKay, who happens to be black, got married but had to seek another Justice of the Peace to perform the ceremony. The couple have since filed a civil rights suit against Bardwell.

While interacial relationships and marriages are somewhat common in many areas of the country, there are sections of the country that frown upon such relationships.

In a statement to the Louisiana State Secretary of State Jay Dardenne, Bardwell said, "I do hereby resign the office of Justice of the Peace for the eighth Ward of Tanipahoa Parish, Louisiana effective November 3, 2009." While Bardwell gave no reasons for his decision, several public officials including the governor of Louisiana Bobby JindalBobby Jindal had been calling for Bardwell's removal.