Mississippian, Rev. Edward James took what he called a “ridiculous” approach Friday to protest a federal decision to strike down Mississippi’s ban on same-sex marriage, reports Adam Ganucheau in The Clarion-Ledger.
James, pastor at Bertha Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, dressed a horse named Charlotte in a makeshift wedding gown and staked a spot in front of the federal courthouse in downtown Jackson.
“Although (the protest) is ridiculous, so is the same-sex marriage status,” he said. “That’s the point I’m trying to convey to Mississippians today, and I’m hoping that (U.S. District Court) Judge Reeves will reconsider his ruling and that Mississippi will stay a state that will only recognize marriage between a man and a woman.”
As Charlotte grazed on an area of grass in a median along Court Street, James held signs in both hands as passersby stopped in the middle of the road to grasp what exactly was happening. One passing driver yelled, “Your horse is pretty!”
Rev. James held two signs, one that that read, “Do you take this horse to be your unnatural wedded spouse to have and to hold? This might even be possible if the band [SIC] on same-sex marriage is lifted.”
Reeves struck down Mississippi’s ban on same-sex marriage Nov. 25, but same-sex couples cannot legally wed until the federal court of appeals hears the case Jan. 9.
