Dallas Judge Won't Perform Marriages Until Gays Can Wed
DALLAS (KRLD) - Dallas County Judge Tonya Parker says she won't perform marriage ceremonies until homosexuals can marry.
Even though she will not perform the ceremonies, Parker told the Dallas Voice she will pass marriage ceremonies on to other judges so they can be completed.
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In a statement Thursday, Judge Parker further explained her stance:
I faithfully and fully perform all of my duties as the Presiding Judge of the 116th Civil District Court, where it is my honor to serve the citizens of Dallas County and the parties who have matters before the Court.
Performing marriage ceremonies is not a duty that I have as the Presiding Judge of a civil district court. It is a right and privilege invested in me under the Family Code. I choose not to exercise it, as many other Judges do not exercise it. Because it is not part of our duties, some Judges even charge a fee to perform the ceremonies.
I do not, and would never, impede any person's right to get married. In fact, when people wander into my courtroom, usually while I am presiding over other matters, I direct them to the Judges in the courthouse who do perform marriage ceremonies. If my deputy is not busy, I will even ask him to escort or help these individuals find another Judge who performs the ceremonies. I do this because I believe in the right of people to marry and pursue happiness.
- Judge Tonya Parker
Judge Parker addressed the Dallas County Stonewall Democrats Tuesday:
Parker was elected in 2010 and is the first lesbian to be elected as a county judge in Dallas.
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