I'm a White Jewish Male and I have an African American wife. And we live in Birmingham, Alabama. While I can't say we don't get some strange looks and have some curious neighbors, we feel accepted.
However, I'm not at all shocked by the story of the Louisiana Justice of Peace who refused to marry an interracial couple.
Despite the monumental 1967 Ruling of Virginia v. Loving, , which overturned Pace V Alabama Alabama, the State of Alabama did not pass a constitutional amendment to overturn a ban on interracial marriage until 2000. The vote passed by a 59-41 margin although failing in several counties.
Update: I was mistaken - 2000 vote to overturn interracial marriage ban passed; 2004 vote to remove segregationist language from constitution failed and therefore updated the diary
Despite the victory of Barack Obama, we still have a serious racial problem in this country. Today's news is discouraging and disgusting, but we must have hope. Longstanding beliefs and attitudes however misguided take generations to overcome. But they do change, they really do change.
In Jefferson County (Birmingham, Alabama) where I live, Barack Obama, a child born to a white mother and a black father won. Something that could not be imagined a little over 40 years ago when Bull Conner unleashed the dogs, the fire hoses were turned on and children were jailed for marching for equal rights. Something that not could be imagined when 4 little girls were murdered at the 16th Street Baptist Church.
Just a little over 40 years ago, my wife and I would not have been able to live together, much less drink from the same water fountain, use the same restroom or ride together while using the public transit system.
When doing research for this diary I found these beautiful words to remind me of the strong commitment that I have with my wife and the love we share and the love that everyone should be able to share:
Mildred Loving, the plaintiff in the historic case, issued the following statement in 2007 on the 40th anniversary of her victory
Surrounded as I am now by wonderful children and grandchildren, not a day goes by that I don't think of Richard and our love, our right to marry, and how much it meant to me to have that freedom to marry the person precious to me, even if others thought he was the "wrong kind of person" for me to marry. I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry. Government has no business imposing some people's religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people's civil rights.
I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard's and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That's what Loving, and loving, are all about.
Thank you Mildred Loving for standing up to the Keith Bardwells of the world.