"The Irony Of Hate..."

Ohio Judge Refuses To Marry Gay Couple Based Upon His ‘Personal And Christian Beliefs’

The Gaily Grind
Andrian Garcia
July 9, 2015

Toledo Municipal Court Judge C. Allen McConnell has refused to marry a same-sex couple, citing his religious beliefs despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing gay marriage nationwide.

On Monday, Carolyn Wilson, 51, and her partner arrived at the courthouse to wed only to have Judge McConnell inform the couple he did not perform “these types of marriages.” To make matters worse, Wilson says Judge McConnell never even bothered to speak with them.

“If he would have taken the time to talk to us, it would have been a little more palatable,” she said, according to the Toledo Blade. “You wait so long for this opportunity,” Wilson said of the right to marry. “Because we wanted to handle it civilly, we didn’t think there would be any issue at all.”

Luckily for the couple, a less bigoted judge agreed to marry the couple, who have been together for seven years.

Judge William M. Connelly, Jr. says his interpretation of the Supreme Court’s ruling “says we are to perform same-sex marriages.”

Judge McConnell issued a statement on Wednesday explaining why he refused to marry the couple.

“On Monday, July 6, I declined to marry a non-traditional couple during my duties assignment,” Judge McConnell’s statement reads. “The declination was based upon my personal and Christian beliefs established over many years. I apologize to the couple for the delay they experienced and wish them the best. The court has implemented a process whereby same sex marriages will be accommodated. I will continue to perform traditional marriages during my duties assignment.”

“I am also seeking advisory opinion from the Supreme Court of Ohio at this time as to whether or not I can opt out of the rotation. Upon receipt of the advisory opinion from Supreme Court, I will abide by its decision.”

Nick Komives, executive director for Equality Toledo adds:
They didn’t deserve to be humiliated; they didn’t deserve to be inconvenienced. That’s just wrong, and we won’t tolerate it. It is his duty to perform this ceremony, and if he’s not willing to perform his duties, he needs to step down.

h/t: NCRM

*******

The irony of this hatred is that not even 100 years ago... a bigoted judge would have refused to marry this man on the grounds of "religeous objection..."

"Fear Eats the Soul"