Interracial Couple Denied Marriage License In Louisiana

Interracial Couple Denied Marriage License In Louisiana by a Louisiana Justice of the Peace, in Tangipahoa Parish.

Keith Bardwell, a Louisiana justice of the peace stated that, “he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have.”

Yes, you read that correct…and he thinks that he can continue to give that excuse…

Keith Bardwell, then states that, “it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long.”

Bardwell told the Daily Star of Hammond, LA., that he was not a racist.

“I do ceremonies for black couples right here in my house,” Bardwell stated. “My main concern is for the children.”

Bardwell states that “he has discussed the topic with blacks and whites, along with witnessing some interracial marriages and he came to the conclusion that most of black society does not readily accept offspring of such relationships, and neither does white society.”

“I don’t do interracial marriages because I don’t want to put children in a situation they didn’t bring on themselves,” Bardwell stated. “In my heart, I feel the children will later suffer.”

If I does an interracial marriage for one couple, he must do the same for all. I treat everyone equally…” he stated.

Beth Humphrey, 30, and Terence McKay, 32, both of Hammond, LA., state that they will consult the U.S. Justice Department about filing a discrimination complaint.

Humphrey called Bardwell on October 6th, 2009, to inquire about getting a marriage license signed. She stated that, “Bardwell’s wife told her that Bardwell will not sign marriage licenses for interracial couples.”

Interracial Couple Denied Marriage License In Louisiana and “It is really astonishing and disappointing to see this come up in 2009. The Supreme Court ruled as far back as 1963 that the government cannot tell people who they can and cannot marry,” states American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana attorney, Katie Schwartzman.

According to Schwartzman, 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.

“He knew he was breaking the law, but continued to do it,” Schwartzman stated.

What Are The Rules For A Marriage License in Louisiana?

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, death or what ever the reason…
They also need a birth certificate and Social Security card and $35 for the license fee.

The license must be signed by a Louisiana minister, justice of the peace or judge. The original is returned to the clerk’s office. Then you are married…it does not ask if you are an interracial couple or not.

Interracial Couple Denied Marriage License In Louisiana and all I can say is be glad that it wasn’t me that they denied to marry…because I would be on the “TODAY” show, tomorrow over that craziness!