Judge James DePiazza isn’t a proponent of same-sex marriage, but the justice of the peace from just outside Dallas, Texas, says he’ll wed any couple after last month’s Supreme Court ruling — as long as they’re willing to officially acknowledge his objection.
In the wake of the high’s court decision that same-sex marriages must be recognized across the United States, Judge DePiazza has begun asking soon-to-be newlyweds to sign an agreement bearing the seal of Denton County that clarifies his stance on who should marry who.
“Judge DePiazza prefers to NOT conduct same-sex ceremonies, but will not decline anyone who chooses to schedule with him,” the agreement read.
“While we may not necessarily agree with, we acknowledge Judge DePiazza’s position that he prefers not to conduct same-sex marriages and agree not to address the topic of same-sex marriages with Judge DePiazza before, during or after the ceremony,” said the contract he’s asking couple to sign.
Instead, Judge DePiazza promises “a brief formal declaration of civil marriage ceremony,” per the agreement, which he also insists is kept free of any photography.
“I decided that for my own privacy,” he explained to the Houston Chronicle. “Because people take pictures and can doctor them or take little snippets out of video to warp what happened.”“
Judge DePiazza, a Republican, has performed more than 2,000 wedding ceremonies since being elected to justice of the peace in 2007, WFAA News reported. He told the ABC affiliate this week that he’s been on vacation since last month’s Supreme Court ruling, so he hasn’t had the chance to officiate any ceremonies as of late.
His office has received inquiries from interested couples, however, and he says he’ll wed anyone who agrees to sign the contract.
“[I]t it doesn’t matter to me what a person’s sexual preference is, what their sexual orientation is,” Judge DePiazza told the Texas Observer. “Regardless, they’re a human being, and they deserve dignity and respect. If that’s the way that they want to live their life, that’s between them, their partner and either they believe in their God or not, that’s their choice.”
“It’s my personal belief that individuals who want to conduct a marriage ceremony understand my convictions,” Judge DePiazza said. “If it was me, I would prefer to have someone who was in agreement with me.”
The judge said he’ll stop any ceremony in the event that the contract is broken and will issue the couple a refund.
• Andrew Blake can be reached at ablake@washingtontimes.com.
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