L2E: Racism, Marriage, and Civil Rights

We are in the midst of a civil and human rights movement in our country, and each headline telling of discrimination and the many forms it takes highlights where our work for equality must be continue to be done.

Recently Keith Bardwell, a white justice of the peace in Louisiana, denied a marriage license to an interracial couple, claiming it was his right to do so. He’s concerned for the children of such couples, you see. While these children could now actually grow up to be President, as the election of Barak Obama illustrates, they could also face the pain of racism.

Many of us are concerned for the well being of our future generations as well, although we know the work to ensure their safety and happiness lies in dismantling the barriers of racism, sexism, and homophobia, not reinforcing them, as this justice of the so-called peace has done.

Calling for the immediate resignation of Keith Bardwell is a reasonable and necessary response to his discriminatory and illegal denial of such a marriage license. However, it is crucial that those of us working for equality understand that his views on interracial couples are unfortunately not unique among a segment of the white population.

This is an opportunity to continue the conversations that began during President Obama’s candidacy, because although important progress has been made, racism didn’t disappear on inauguration day, and it won’t end with the resignation of Bardwell. There is so much more to be done if we are to create a society where, as alike and different as we all are, people are people first, with inalienable human rights, and it’s needed now more than ever. Let’s get to work!