CNN iReport

As reported by CNN, Beth McKay was denied a marriage license in Louisiana because her fiance was African American and she is Caucasian.

I find this striking on a few levels.  The 'overt' racism is of course very disturbing (is this the 1950's?) but there is another fascinating angle here.

Here's a quote from the article that struck me hard:

"Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is calling to have Bardwell's license revoked, and Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieuis calling for his dismissal -- a notion shared by McKay.  'He's not representing all the people that he is supposed to be representing,' McKay said. 'He's only representing the people with his same opinions.' "

These are the same arguments that progressives have made against conservative officials who said that they would refuse to marry same-sex couples.  Do people like Jindal recognize the hypocrisy in (correctly) attacking an elected official for refusing to marry an interracial couple while they are only to happy to condone the same prejudice against gay and lesbian couples?

It is politically expedient to stand against racism.  There is no courage required - neither ethical nor political.  Standing up for gay and lesbian citizens does require courage and people like Bobby Jindal have not shown it.