Jindal: Revoke license of JP that denied interracial marriage

NEW ORLEANS — Outrage over a justice of the peace that refused to issue a marriage license for an interracial couple grew, with civil and constitutional rights organizations and the parish president calling for the man to resign immediately.

WAFB

Beth Humphrey, and Terence McKay

Gov. Bobby Jindal said that it was a violation of constitutional rights and called for an investigation.

Marjorie Esman, director of the Louisiana American Civil Liberties Union, said Friday that the group wants Keith Bardwell to resign immediately before he “infringes on the constitutional rights of another person.”

Bardwell, a white justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, refused to issue a license or marry Beth Humphrey, who is white and Terence McKay, who is black.

Bardwell said he always asks if a couple is interracial and, if they are, refers them to another justice of the peace.

He says the children of such unions face troubling futures.

“I would first like to make it clear that Mr. Bardwell’s views are not consistent with my views or the views of Tangipahoa Parish Government,” said Tangipahoa Parish President Gordon Burgess in a statement.  “Further, Mr. Bardwell is a separately elected official and is in no way under the guidance or supervision of Tangipahoa Parish Government.  However, I am certainly very disappointed that anyone representing the people of Tangipahoa Parish, particularly an elected official, would take such a divisive stand.  I would hope that Mr. Bardwell would consider offering his resignation if he is unable to serve all of the people of his district and our parish.”

Gov. Jindal also issued a strongly-worded statement: “This is a clear violation of constitutional rights and federal and state law. Mr. Bardwell’s actions should be fully reviewed by the Judiciary Commission and disciplinary action should be taken immediately – including the revoking of his license.”

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