Ohio Municipal Court Judge C. Allen McConnell refused to perform a marriage Monday for 51-year-old Carolyn Wilson and her partner on the grounds of his “personal and Christian beliefs.”
The two women were eventually able to get married by another judge after a short delay but felt that the delay was “embarrassing.”
“If he would have taken the time to talk to us, it would have been a little more palatable,” Wilson told Toledo News Now, noting that the judge would not even speak to them about the issue.
On Wednesday, McConnell released a statement explaining his refusal to perform “non-traditional” marriages.
On Monday, July 6, I declined to marry a non-traditional couple during my duties assignment. 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,” he continued. “Upon receipt of the advisory opinion from Supreme Court, I will abide by its decision.