It goes without saying that the Louisiana Justice of the Peace Keith Bardwell’s decision to refuse a marriage license for an interracial couple is a blatant display of modern-day racism, regardless of his excuses.

The fact that in 2009 this kind of hatred continues is as disappointing as it is maddening.

Bardwell’s explanation for his actions were that he never marries interracial couples because he is concerned for the future children of the couples. Those children, he says, are never fully accepted by black or white societies.

He also claims that he has married both black and white couples in the past, just not interracial couples.

We feel this is a thinly veiled cover-up for true racism.

It is hard to believe that Bardwell has a general interest in ‘protecting’ the children, when he just refers the couples to another justice of the peace.

It almost sounds like a doctor who refuses to perform an abortion on moral grounds but refers the patient to another doctor.

He knows the outcome is inevitable, but Bardwell just doesn’t want the task to be performed by his own hands.

The best option for Bardwell now would be to resign and remove himself from the public eye before doing any more damage to the reputation of his parish, local government and state.

Surprisingly, Bardwell’s admitted refusals to marry interracial couples in the past has not gotten him into trouble already.

But that may change as the most recent couple to be turned away by Bardwell, Beth Humphrey and Terence McKay, may soon file a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Justice Department.

Hopefully the appropriate measures will be taken to ensure this kind of discrimination is weeded out of our elected officials.

If Bardwell decides not to step down and tries to ride his term out until 2014, we encourage the state of Louisiana or the federal government – if it comes to that – to make sure he is removed from his position.