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Junkenpo · Oct 16th, 2009, 12:53 AM

Wow.

Just wow.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091016/...rracial_rebuff

By MARY FOSTER, Associated Press Writer – 41 mins ago

NEW ORLEANS – 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."

Even in this day & age.... unbelievable.

meganfm · Oct 16th, 2009, 01:03 AM

Although initially I was horrified by his response, I have to say he's just a representation of the bigger issue going on in the US. I'm not trying to legitimize his choice, but he makes a good point. I don't know a lot about race relations in the US besides from what I've learned in sociology classes, but it seems there is still a lot of conflict between the two groups and, in some cases, parents AREN'T accepting of their child dating outside their race.

I am in an interracial relationship (I am white and my boyfriend is Chinese) and I know that a lot of my Chinese friends have commented that their parents would NOT allow them to date outside their race for fear of "losing the culture".

Instead of focusing on radical individuals like this, we need to start focusing on teaching people tolerance at a young age and encouraging more positive relationships between the groups. As long as one group continues to feel oppressed by another, there will always be resentment and there will always be conflict like Bardwell mentioned.

flashy.stems · Oct 16th, 2009, 01:45 AM

ridiculous?

Guccigirlkells · Oct 16th, 2009, 08:11 AM

Disgusting...I swear everyday this country is taking a step backwards

Fashionista_ · Oct 16th, 2009, 08:13 AM

It's sad that when I read about this yesterday, I didn't even flinch and went about my daily business.

Danica · Oct 16th, 2009, 08:32 AM

All racists begin their sentences with "I'm not racist, but..." I've learned that well living where I do. What a racist redneck moron.

LOREBUNDE · Oct 16th, 2009, 08:33 AM

I am white, my DH black and we've been married over 19 years, together 10 before that. To say that these marriages don't work is ridiculous. Lots of marriages between two whites don't work either if you want to think of it that way. As far as my 2 kids, they never had any problems whatsoever. It's people like him, his way of thinking, that's the problem. He's speaking for himself,his own opinions on the subject - who is he kidding?

natalie78 · Oct 16th, 2009, 08:38 AM

I'm also married to someone of a different race. Although we've never had any major problems, we do get strange looks and comments sometimes from people of both our races. We don't let it bother us and we know when to just walk away.

bagaholic85 · Oct 16th, 2009, 09:29 AM

seriously disgusting.

Jahpson · Oct 16th, 2009, 09:31 AM

"they use my bathroom"? why throw that there? This man is perpetually fueling the sterotype of how far back the south is.

keodi · Oct 16th, 2009, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Jahpson

"they use my bathroom"? why throw that there? This man is perpetually fueling the sterotype of how far back the south is.

100% agree. I couldn't believe he said that..just wow.

NYCBelle · Oct 16th, 2009, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Jahpson

"they use my bathroom"? why throw that there? This man is perpetually fueling the sterotype of how far back the south is.

that caught me off guard i'm like wth??!!

ugh what is wrong with this country??? what does he mean about the hardships a bi-racial child will have?? hello our president is bi-racial!!!

NYCBelle · Oct 16th, 2009, 10:59 AM

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/16/lou...age/index.html

AudreyII · Oct 16th, 2009, 11:15 AM

I don't know what to say, it's beyond crazy that this goes on and what's worse is that i'm sure a lot of people just went, oh well, what else is new...

Sammyjoe · Oct 16th, 2009, 11:16 AM

Well, I never! I am glad I got married in the UK!!!

Oct 16th, 2009, 12:53 AM	#1
Junkenpo OP LVoebird! Joined: Jan 2007 Location: 2500 miles from any continental landmass Posts: 3,064	Interracial couple denied marriage license in Louisiana Wow. Just wow. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091016/...rracial_rebuff By MARY FOSTER, Associated Press Writer – 41 mins ago NEW ORLEANS – 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." Even in this day & age.... unbelievable.
	__________________

Oct 16th, 2009, 01:03 AM	#2
meganfm Member Joined: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver Posts: 1,612	Although initially I was horrified by his response, I have to say he's just a representation of the bigger issue going on in the US. I'm not trying to legitimize his choice, but he makes a good point. I don't know a lot about race relations in the US besides from what I've learned in sociology classes, but it seems there is still a lot of conflict between the two groups and, in some cases, parents AREN'T accepting of their child dating outside their race. I am in an interracial relationship (I am white and my boyfriend is Chinese) and I know that a lot of my Chinese friends have commented that their parents would NOT allow them to date outside their race for fear of "losing the culture". Instead of focusing on radical individuals like this, we need to start focusing on teaching people tolerance at a young age and encouraging more positive relationships between the groups. As long as one group continues to feel oppressed by another, there will always be resentment and there will always be conflict like Bardwell mentioned.
	__________________ Wish List: -Alexander McQueen Flapper -Balenciaga GSH City -Miu Miu Coffer -YSL Muse

Oct 16th, 2009, 01:45 AM	#3
flashy.stems Hermès Hottie Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 2,122	ridiculous?
	__________________ “I’m the worst wife in the cooking department. I always thought you can’t be good at food and sex, but you can always order the food in. I’d rather he didn’t order in the sex.” "You can never be too rich, too thin, or have too many handbags." UHG!!! CL Black Mad Mary 37

Oct 16th, 2009, 08:11 AM	#4
Guccigirlkells Guccigirlkells Joined: May 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 539	Disgusting...I swear everyday this country is taking a step backwards
	__________________ <----------- Working on my next boston!!!!!

Oct 16th, 2009, 08:13 AM	#5
Fashionista_ High on life ... Joined: Jan 2007 Location: London/New York City Posts: 193	It's sad that when I read about this yesterday, I didn't even flinch and went about my daily business.
	__________________ Mine! Mulberry Emmy in Chocolate Marc Jacobs patchwork Stam in Cream Marc by Marc Jacobs large Twisted Q Riz Hobo in Black Next on my list I'm still umming and ahhing though I'm leaning towards a Miu Miu. My beauty blog - Vex In The City twitter.com/vexinthecity

Oct 16th, 2009, 08:32 AM	#6
Danica Member Joined: Feb 2006 Location: the forest dim Posts: 9,756	All racists begin their sentences with "I'm not racist, but..." I've learned that well living where I do. What a racist redneck moron.
	__________________ Here there is no light save what from heaven is with the breezes blown through verdurous glooms and winding mossy ways

Oct 16th, 2009, 08:33 AM	#7
LOREBUNDE Member Joined: Nov 2006 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 5,090	I am white, my DH black and we've been married over 19 years, together 10 before that. To say that these marriages don't work is ridiculous. Lots of marriages between two whites don't work either if you want to think of it that way. As far as my 2 kids, they never had any problems whatsoever. It's people like him, his way of thinking, that's the problem. He's speaking for himself,his own opinions on the subject - who is he kidding?

Oct 16th, 2009, 08:38 AM	#8
natalie78 Dave's not here Joined: May 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,669	I'm also married to someone of a different race. Although we've never had any major problems, we do get strange looks and comments sometimes from people of both our races. We don't let it bother us and we know when to just walk away.
	__________________ I consider myself a good judge of people and that's why I don't like any of them. ~Roseanne

Oct 16th, 2009, 09:29 AM	#9
bagaholic85 Member Joined: Sep 2007 Location: i <3 ny Posts: 5,087	seriously disgusting.

Oct 16th, 2009, 09:31 AM	#10
Jahpson Member Joined: Aug 2007 Location: The Playground Posts: 22,414	"they use my bathroom"? why throw that there? This man is perpetually fueling the sterotype of how far back the south is.
	__________________ Michael Joseph Jackson 1958-2009

Oct 16th, 2009, 10:59 AM	#13
NYCBelle Yahtzee anyone?? Joined: Oct 2006 Location: 57th & 5th Ave Posts: 5,549	http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/16/lou...age/index.html
	__________________ "Is there blood in my hair?" On a serious ban...Have a wedding to plan

Oct 16th, 2009, 11:15 AM	#14
AudreyII Quite contrary Joined: Jan 2007 Location: Stoneybridge Posts: 2,484	I don't know what to say, it's beyond crazy that this goes on and what's worse is that i'm sure a lot of people just went, oh well, what else is new...
	__________________ Oooooh, I love a bit of cake Insanity runs in my family, it practically gallops!

Oct 16th, 2009, 11:16 AM	#15
Sammyjoe Night and Day Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,849	Well, I never! I am glad I got married in the UK!!!
Sammyjoe Night and Day Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,849	__________________ 1 Cabat Noce ( Thx Doloresmia and TankerToad!)

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