Anti-Interracial Marriage Official Quits

The Louisiana justice of the peace who, to the outrage of many, refused to marry a black and white couple resigned Tuesday. Keith Bardwell left no explanation in his letter of resignation, saying only "I do hereby resign the office of Justice of the Peace for the Eighth Ward of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, effective November 3, 2009." Bardwell sparked national headlines when he shot down an interracial marriage between Beth Humphrey, who is white, and Terence McKay, who is black. Such treatment was routine for Bardwell, who says he believes interracial marriages to be detrimental to couples' children. Public officials, including Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, had called for Bardwell to step down.