Quote
NEW ORLEANS â€" A white Louisiana justice of the peace said he 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.
"I'm not a racist. I just don't believe in mixing the races that way," Bardwell told the Associated Press on Thursday. "I have piles and piles of black friends. They come to my home, I marry them, they use my bathroom. I treat them just like everyone else."
Bardwell said he asks everyone who calls about marriage if they are a mixed race couple. If they are, he does not marry them, he said.
Bardwell said he has discussed the topic with blacks and whites, along with witnessing some interracial marriages. He came to the conclusion that most of black society does not readily accept offspring of such relationships, and neither does white society, he said.
"There is a problem with both groups accepting a child from such a marriage," Bardwell said. "I think those children suffer and I won't help put them through it."
If he did an interracial marriage for one couple, he must do the same for all, he said.
"I try to treat everyone equally," he said.
Bardwell estimates that he has refused to marry about four couples during his career, all in the past 2 1/2 years.
Beth Humphrey, 30, and 32-year-old Terence McKay, both of Hammond, say they will consult the U.S. Justice Department about filing a discrimination complaint.
Humphrey, an account manager for a marketing firm, said she and McKay, a welder, just returned to Louisiana. She is white and he is black. She plans to enroll in the University of New Orleans to pursue a masters degree in minority politics.
"That was one thing that made this so unbelievable," she said. "It's not something you expect in this day and age."
Humphrey said she called Bardwell on Oct. 6 to inquire about getting a marriage license signed. She says Bardwell's wife told her that Bardwell will not sign marriage licenses for interracial couples. Bardwell suggested the couple go to another justice of the peace in the parish who agreed to marry them.
"We are looking forward to having children," Humphrey said. "And all our friends and co-workers have been very supportive. Except for this, we're typical happy newlyweds."
"It is really astonishing and disappointing to see this come up in 2009," said American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana attorney Katie Schwartzmann. She said the Supreme Court ruled in 1967 "that the government cannot tell people who they can and cannot marry."
The ACLU sent a letter to the Louisiana Judiciary Committee, which oversees the state justices of the peace, asking them to investigate Bardwell and recommending "the most severe sanctions available, because such blatant bigotry poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the administration of justice."
"He knew he was breaking the law, but continued to do it," Schwartzmann said.
According to the clerk of court's office, application for a marriage license must be made three days before the ceremony because there is a 72-hour waiting period. The applicants are asked if they have previously been married. If so, they must show how the marriage ended, such as divorce.
Other than that, all they need is a birth certificate and Social Security card.
The license fee is $35, and the license must be signed by a Louisiana minister, justice of the peace or judge. The original is returned to the clerk's office.
"I've been a justice of the peace for 34 years and I don't think I've mistreated anybody," Bardwell said. "I've made some mistakes, but you have too. I didn't tell this couple they couldn't get married. I just told them I wouldn't do it."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091016/ap_on_re_us/us_interracial_rebuff
Really?!?!?! Is he unaware that the President is mixed raced? More proof as to why people think the south is full of redneck hillbillies.
I'm surprised this is even news. Someone from Louisiana is prejudice? no way!
First of all, bigotry is not isolated within any geographic area.
Secondly, a JOP is free to have his/her opinions as are the rest of us. What is not so clear is if a Justice of the Peace can refuse to perform a marriage ceremony based on personal preferences.
Quote from: buckethead on October 16, 2009, 04:47:52 PM
First of all, bigotry is not isolated within any geographic area.
Agreed. Some people are just more frank about it. I can tell you some of my family members would have been REALLY unhappy had I married someone outside of my own race.
It's sad. We haven't made much progress as a country... at least it feels that way. The only thing that has changed is that some people are politically correct because they feel like they should be/ have to be ... vs. out of the goodness of their heart.
Quote from: buckethead on October 16, 2009, 04:47:52 PM
First of all, bigotry is not isolated within any geographic area.
is too.
I'm a mixed raced person so I'm sorry if this isn't a big deal to some. Oh and my husband is white.
Steph-
Some folks have to fake it 'til they make it. I think the PC-ness stems more from knowing that it should be out of the goodness of one's heart. Some people have to struggle against their upbringing moreso than others.
Maybe I'm wrong. But I hope the majority of the people you describe who treat people fairly out of a sense of obligation or duty do it because they know in their heart that it's wrong not to, rather than an insidious need to hide their true feelings to operate or advance in society.
That said, this guy should be removed from his capacity as JOP if he cannot operate under the law of the land.
Quote from: ac on October 16, 2009, 05:04:04 PM
Steph-
Some folks have to fake it 'til they make it. I think the PC-ness stems more from knowing that it should be out of the goodness of one's heart. Some people have to struggle against their upbringing moreso than others.
Maybe I'm wrong. But I hope the majority of the people you describe who treat people fairly out of a sense of obligation or duty do it because they know in their heart that it's wrong not to, rather than an insidious need to hide their true feelings to operate or advance in society.
I think there are both types of people... In general, I like to see the good in people. And sometimes, it isn't that people are bad, it's that they are ignorant, un-educated, sheltered or working against their upbringing as you mentioned.
Either way, people should be able to marry who they want. Any race, any sexual orientation.
No doubt, Steph.
This guy needs to be removed from his position. Racism should not be tolerated. That said I am going to get out my can opener.
One person mentioned that bigotry is not confined to one geographical area. This is true. It is also not confined to one particular race.
Someone mentioned that certain family members would be unhappy had they married outside their race. This is true of many races and cultures.
Racism should be challenged and rooted out whenever it occurs, regardless of who commits it.
Quote from: CrysG on October 16, 2009, 05:02:18 PM
I'm a mixed raced person so I'm sorry if this isn't a big deal to some. Oh and my husband is white.
I did not say it isn't a big deal. There isn't much to be done about racism other than to not be a racist. Those who chose otherwise must face the consequences of their actions. Should there be legal consequences for believing one race is superior to another, or even all others? What about believing one religion is superior to all others?
I could go on.
Quote from: buckethead on October 17, 2009, 11:29:32 AM
There isn't much to be done about racism other than to not be a racist.
What's wrong with that logic is that if you feel like there is nothing to be done it becomes no big deal. Next there is nothing to be done about a cross burning in my yard. Nothing to be done about spray painting things on my door.
Saying there is is nothing to be done is to become numb to the issue.
Quote from: CrysG on October 19, 2009, 06:11:58 PM
Quote from: buckethead on October 17, 2009, 11:29:32 AM
There isn't much to be done about racism other than to not be a racist.
What's wrong with that logic is that if you feel like there is nothing to be done it becomes no big deal. Next there is nothing to be done about a cross burning in my yard. Nothing to be done about spray painting things on my door.
Saying there is is nothing to be done is to become numb to the issue.
You cant change how people think and feel, so without Forcing someone to accept it(you cant short of brainwashing most the time) you cant really do anything about it besides teach the upcoming generation differntly and live unracististly yourself to set an example.
Someone can call you names all they want, its there right. When they do something against the law then you can do something but if I were to call you a dork out on the street in passing. You cant do anything legally, I belive is what he ment.
Quote from: Sportmotor on October 19, 2009, 06:51:27 PM
Quote from: CrysG on October 19, 2009, 06:11:58 PM
Quote from: buckethead on October 17, 2009, 11:29:32 AM
There isn't much to be done about racism other than to not be a racist.
What's wrong with that logic is that if you feel like there is nothing to be done it becomes no big deal. Next there is nothing to be done about a cross burning in my yard. Nothing to be done about spray painting things on my door.
Saying there is is nothing to be done is to become numb to the issue.
You cant change how people think and feel, so without Forcing someone to accept it(you cant short of brainwashing most the time) you cant really do anything about it besides teach the upcoming generation differntly and live unracististly yourself to set an example.
Someone can call you names all they want, its there right. When they do something against the law then you can do something but if I were to call you a dork out on the street in passing. You cant do anything legally, I belive is what he ment.
And don't I have the right to live my life without hearing someone call me names? My point is as it was stated. If you want to turn a blind eye to this, what else are you willing to turn a blind eye too.
Quote from: CrysG on October 19, 2009, 08:06:26 PM
And don't I have the right to live my life without hearing someone call me names? My point is as it was stated. If you want to turn a blind eye to this, what else are you willing to turn a blind eye too.
Blind eye too...Crack, hookers, national healthcare, DEEM HOMERS(lolz).
I'd love to live in a happy perfect world of sunshine and candy canes, but it'll never happen. You will be called things. People are mean disgusting creatures to one another and names will always be used, ESSPICALLY if you react so strongly against them it fuels the fire.
You have to know when to pick your fights, and when ones are worth fighting.
Dork
Best way to fight racists, education the upcoming generations of children to be better then those before them.
Cant change people who are racists. They will always be them. They have a right to be stupid and say stupid things online like they will, and on the street.
As much as I oppose you got to take the good with the bad of the US Constitution of Freedom of Speech.
Years ago had an older, black woman friend go on about how upset she was that one of her several sons had "married white." OK, I said, but I'll bet you that those grandchildren are beautiful, aren't they. Oh Lord, she said, those are my most lovely grands. Be thankful, I said, they are the future.
Quote from: CrysG on October 19, 2009, 06:11:58 PM
Quote from: buckethead on October 17, 2009, 11:29:32 AM
There isn't much to be done about racism other than to not be a racist.
What's wrong with that logic is that if you feel like there is nothing to be done it becomes no big deal. Next there is nothing to be done about a cross burning in my yard. Nothing to be done about spray painting things on my door.
Saying there is is nothing to be done is to become numb to the issue.
The acts you describe are criminal acts. Vandalism and implied threats. They are actionable and are not tolerated when reported. I am numb to race. (at least I do try to be) I am not blind to the issues of racism.
I am a very beautiful person. You have no idea the bigotry, jealosy, and hatred I am subjected to because of it. ;)
Does it not bother anyone else that the person who started this thread, who proclaims "we are living in 1959" is wholly and unabashedly against gay marriage?
Are civil rights only based on the color of skin and religion?
Civil rights are based on being human, and not having violated the civil rights of others.
And for the record; I'm living in 2009.
Quote from: Dan B on October 21, 2009, 10:24:53 PM
Does it not bother anyone else that the person who started this thread, who proclaims "we are living in 1959" is wholly and unabashedly against gay marriage?
Are civil rights only based on the color of skin and religion?
This is why I'm spending less and less time on this site. All it is is liberal left wingers that would rather shoot off their nose to spite their face. And don't worry I haven't forgotten the bashing I took. I am as strongly anti gay marriage AND civil unions for gays nows as I was then. I said it then and I'm saying it now. Instead of meeting my beliefs half way you'd all rather get nothing then anything.
Quote from: CrysG on October 25, 2009, 03:37:07 PM
This is why I'm spending less and less time on this site. All it is is liberal left wingers that would rather shoot off their nose to spite their face. And don't worry I haven't forgotten the bashing I took. I am as strongly anti gay marriage AND civil unions for gays nows as I was then. I said it then and I'm saying it now. Instead of meeting my beliefs half way you'd all rather get nothing then anything.
That's really funny...I've perceived this site to be far more conservative than anything else. I think your bigotry is clouding your perception. ;)
You would have to be pretty dense to not see the irony in you posting the original article only to be followed up by your anti-gay marriage rhetoric. That's gold right there, especially considering your comments regarding redneck/racist/hillbilly perception of j'ville.
Quote from: CrysG on October 16, 2009, 11:49:40 AM
Really?!?!?! Is he unaware that the President is mixed raced? More proof as to why people think the south is full of redneck hillbillies.
Quote from: CrysG on October 25, 2009, 03:37:07 PM
This is why I'm spending less and less time on this site. All it is is liberal left wingers that would rather shoot off their nose to spite their face. And don't worry I haven't forgotten the bashing I took. I am as strongly anti gay marriage AND civil unions for gays nows as I was then. I said it then and I'm saying it now. Instead of meeting my beliefs half way you'd all rather get nothing then anything.
Ok redneck
You know I tried really hard not to HATE most of you but why fight it anymore.
Guess what? Gays need to understand that it isn't an opinion it's the framework for belief. My God who is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more important than you says that men sleeping with men is wrong. No where does it say marrying a different race is wrong. Save your breath with 2 Corinthians 6:14. That refers to marriage between believers and un-believers.
So if you want to argue with God then die and take it up with Him.
Bring it on. I care so little for you all that anything you could think up on your best day is as important as my dogs morning stool.
Quote from: CrysG on November 10, 2009, 10:47:12 AM
You know I tried really hard not to HATE most of you but why fight it anymore.
So if you want to argue with God then die and take it up with Him.
Bring it on. I care so little for you all that anything you could think up on your best day is as important as my dogs morning stool.
The Bible also says not to point out your neighbor's sin, ignoring your own.
You know, the whole "don't point out the splinter in your neighbor's eye while ignoring the LOG in your own?"
JC was saying to mind your own business, and attend to your own life. I think that's more applicable.
I think He would have more to say about your feelings of
hatred toward people you've never met than whether two dudes or ladies want to marry each other.
Your sky-buddy is a figment of your imagination.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,6719.0.html
Capital idea.
I concur with the angry beaver.
The minute someone starts quoting the bible you know that all reasonable discussion is over. Bible quotes are not rational arguments.
If you think god is talking to you then you need to get your meds rebalanced.
If you have decided to hate someone based on what they have posted then good riddance to you.
Bye Bye!
The bible also says its ok to sell your daughter into slavery, so if you belive everything in the bible then I would like to purchase your child please
kthaxbye
I BELIVE, in the flying spaghetti monster personally
Oh ho! Sport has admitted that he is a Pastifarian!
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/6e/Touched_by_His_Noodly_Appendage.jpg/384px-Touched_by_His_Noodly_Appendage.jpg)
Touched by his noodly appendage!
It may not be racism to him, but the staunch fact is...IT IS RACISM. Whether it's sugar coated or hard down hate type of racism, it still breathes racism. However, he has a right to believe what he will and I do respect his WRONG and OUT OF CHARACTER belief on this issue but I won't and don't have to agree with it. If it were meant for races not to mix, we would all be one color on this earth.
Heights Unknown
Dog Walker your awsome and if I can ever get to one of the meet ups I will buy you a beer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFkeKKszXTw
"A bible based marriage is one man and a pack of raped whores!"
I dunno how to post videos so you guys are gonna have to click it all you jebus lubers you