Beth McKay is a Louisiana woman who was denied a marriage license by Justice of the Peace Keith Bardwell on the grounds that she and her fiance, Terrence, are an interracial couple. Bardwell reportedly told McKay "Well, we don't do interracial weddings or marriages."http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/17/interracial.marriage/
The incident has prompted much criticism including by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who asked to have Bardwell's license revoked.http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/17/interracial.marriage/
Quotes
"He's not representing all the people that he is supposed to be representing. He's only representing the people with his same opinions."—Beth McKayhttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/17/interracial.marriage/
"We're just kind of hurt, you know? This doesn't take care of the problem. He's been in his position for 34 years. So, it doesn't take care of the problems that we have to deal with on a daily basis."—Beth McKayhttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/17/interracial.marriage/
References
Fast Facts
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Age
30 (October 2009)
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Resides
Hammond, Louisiana
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Fact:
Denied a marriage license by Justice of the Peace Keith Bardwell
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Fact:
Marriage license denied as she is in an interracial relationship
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Fact:
She is white, her fiance Terrence is black
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Fact:
Bardwell claims he is not racist, but it's his right not to marry an interracial couple
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Fact:
Denial has caused much criticism with many calling the decision "blatantly" illegal
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Fact:
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has called for Bardwell's license to be revoked
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Fact:
Plans to consult the U.S. Justice Department to file a discrimination lawsuit
