Biased Louisiana Justice of the Peace Resigns

A Louisiana justice of the peace who made headlines across the country for refusing to marry an interracial couple has resigned from his duties.

Keith Bardwell's resignation was made effective on Tuesday, the Louisiana secretary of state announced.

Bardwell said he routinely refused to perform marriage ceremonies for interracial couples because he was worried about any children they might produce. In the situation that provoked the media storm leading to his resignation, Bardwell turned away Beth Humphrey, who is white, and Terence McKay, who is black.

Humphrey and McKay, who were later wed by another justice of the peace, are filing a civil suit against Bardwell.