WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Several complaints filed against Justice of Peace Bardwell

Several complaints filed against Justice of Peace Bardwell

By Keitha Nelson - bio | email

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Watching the story of Terence and Beth Mckay, reading about it or simply hearing the buzz, was enough to get local officials to pay attention and take action.

"He needs to be removed," said Regina Barrow of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus.

State Representative Barrow signed off on a formal complaint requesting that the judiciary commission review justice Keith Bardwells actions. "As an elected official that really is appalling to me," said Barrow.

Bardwell refused to marry Terence and Beth Mckay because they are an interracial couple.

"We swear with our hands on a bible that we will uphold the law as written by the state and this country", said Barrow.

The greater Tangipahoa Parish branch of the NAACP, constitutional rights organizations, the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana and Governor Bobby Jindal have all called for Bardwell's license to be revoked.

The next step is for the judiciary commission to launch an investigation and that would lead to a hearing with the commission.  

"It is another black eye to our state," says Barrow. "That makes it appear as if we are backwards and not in the 21st century."

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