‘Messiah’ Tennessee Judge Cited For Religious Bias


The “Messiah” Tennessee judge has been cited for religious bias in her former ruling over a baby’s name.

Child Support Magistrate Lu Ann Ballew of Cocke County in eastern Tennessee had previously ordered a baby’s name changed from Messiah to Martin on August 8 because she said that it was a title only earned by Jesus Christ, as previously reported by The Inquisitr. Apparently the separation of church and state had something different to say on the matter.

It was reported last month that the decision had been reversed and the baby was allowed to keep its given name of Messiah. The original judge is now under scrutiny for her unconstitutional ruling after telling the local press, “The word ‘messiah’ is a title, and it’s a title that has only been earned by one person, and that one person is Jesus Christ.” She added that giving the baby that first name was placing a burden on him that he could not fulfill.

The Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct, a three-member panel, has stated that there is “reasonable cause to believe (Ballew) has committed judicial offenses.” The “Messiah” Tennessee judge had no business basing her ruling on a religious statement, because judgments such as those reveal personal bias and have no place in the courtroom.

Lu Ann Ballew has 30 days to file an answer to the accusations of religious bias.

The parents had been hoping to name their son Messiah Deshawn Martin, because the father wanted the baby to bear his last name. The Magistrate ordered them to rename him Martin Deshawn McCollough for religious reasons, and it was ruled later that the parents’ original choice was fine.

Judicial code does not allow personal or religious opinion to be considered in legal decisions, even in the case of baby names.

If the “Messiah” Tennessee judge does not give an answer by the due date, further action will be taken to impose sanctions stated by law.

[image via ktla.com]

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