One Florida man has taken a unique approach to his county clerk’s refusal to marry any couples now that same-sex marriage is legal.
Chuck Chapman this morning reported for jury duty at the Duval County courthouse in Jacksonville, Florida, with one goal: to make a statement about same-sex marriage. Even though same-sex couples may now legally marry in Florida, the Duval County clerk has stopped performing all marriages.
Chapman says he “regrets” that Duval County Clerk of Courts Ronnie Fussell does not feel “comfortable marrying same-sex individuals or anyone in the courthouse.” He adds that “if they feel uncomfortable marrying same-sex people then I feel uncomfortable going in the courthouse.”
In an interview with FCN News, Chapman reiterated his deeply held beliefs.
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“Ronnie Fussell is an elected official in this town. It’s government for the people, by the people. I’m a citizen, a vote. I pay my taxes. Just because it’s across the board, his decision not to do it any longer, has me willing to make this statement,” he said.
“I’m a taxpayer in this community. I’m a citizen in this community. My rights should be across the board just like anybody else has and anybody else wants and anybody else needs. It’s my rights as a citizen in Duval County and the state of Florida,” Chapman added.
As of noon Tuesday Chapman’s juror number had not yet been called. Stay tuned.
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Image: Screenshot via FCN