Interracial Couple Denied Marriage
10-16-2009 11:06 am

I woke up this morning to this head line “Interracial Couple Denied Marriage License in La.“

Well, that grabbed my attention! How in the world could this happen in the U.S.? And I’m not alone…. It doesn’t take much to find many buzzing their disgust on this racist act and the oppression of the couple desiring to start their life together as husband and wife.

As I read the article, while the disgust was still there at the ignorant views of this gentleman, it did seem to me that the headline was doctored to get our emotional response more than to reflect the truth. It appears (and I could be wrong) that they were not denied a marriage license in the way that they could not get married in that county…the justice of the peace said he would not do the officiating himself due to his belief but any other pastor or justice could.

Now, I know that doesn’t make any of us less outraged by racism but I do think the point needs to be part of the discussion (if my understanding is correct)….

Should the justice of the peace be forced to officiate the wedding if it is against his beliefs?

I was shocked a couple years back when I came across a young couple who could not find a pastor to do their wedding because they had a baby out of wedlock. This disgusts me as much as the scenario mentioned above but these pastors should have this option no matter how much I disagree with them.

(Side Note: If you are one of these pastors, you miss out on witnessing opportunities as I had several hours to share with them in love and truth as I partnered in their lives. Also, don’t we want to assist them into a life style that is no longer sinful instead punishing them for sins past? Can anything be more Pharisee like?)

I know many pastors who will not officiate marriages for gay couples if same sex marriages become legal in our area.

I know I do not do weddings for those will not go through pre marital counseling because of my belief of how important it is to their future.

You can say “Well, this guy is not a pastor….He’s a Justice of the Peace.” And maybe that’s a legit point….

However, there’s quite a buzz on pharmacists who won’t give give out the morning after pill because of their pro-life views.

I think this guy is ignorant and his views disgusting. Does that mean we have the right to legislate his actions to be against his beliefs? What do you guys think?

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