HAMMOND, La. — A Louisiana justice of the peace said he refused to
issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for
any children the couple might have. Keith Bardwell, justice of the
peace in Tangipahoa Parish, says it is his experience that most
interracial marriages do not last long.

"I do ceremonies for black couples right here in my house," Bardwell
said. "My main concern is for the children."

Bardwell said he has discussed the topic with blacks and whites, along
with witnessing some interracial marriages. He came to the conclusion
that most of black society does not readily accept offspring of such
relationships, and neither does white society, he said.

"I don't do interracial marriages because I don't want to put children
in a situation they didn't bring on themselves," Bardwell said. "In my
heart, I feel the children will later suffer."

If he does an interracial marriage for one couple, he must do the same
for all, he said.

"I try to treat everyone equally," he said.