Debate over courthouse chapel continues

Clerk of court closes chapel on heels of same-sex marriage ban lifting

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Even though same-sex couples can now legally wed in Florida, the chapel inside the Duval County Courthouse remains closed on the orders of Clerk of Court Ronnie Fussell.

Marriages are still being performed inside the courthouse but only by judges and other officials, not by Fussell or his staff.

Lines were smaller Thursday inside the marriage license office than they were earlier in the week when a judge's ruling striking down the state's same-sex marriage ban went into effect.

But outrage over Fussell's decision to close the courthouse chapel continued. 

Attorneys like Carrington Mead said Fussell (pictured) needs to change his mind and reopen the chapel. Some attorneys are considering legal action to force that change.

"I think he is an elected official. I think it's set forth in the statutes what services his office provides," Mead said. "Performing marriages is one if them. It also sets forth the procedure he is supposed to use. And if he is modifying it, I think he has disobeyed the law."

So far no lawsuits have been filed.

Mead is one of the attorneys who might take legal action, but she said she plans to try a different approach first. She would not elaborate on what that is.

Mead is behind a mass wedding celebration planned for Hemming Park at 10 a.m. Saturday. Over 60 couples -- gay and straight -- will be married. And she is expecting over 500 people at the park to watch.

As for politicians like Fussell and others, Mead said she believes they don't have enough faith in their constituents and hopes to change their minds. 

"I think that Jacksonville suffers from a disease amongst its elected officials that they make assumptions about the people in the city being small-minded and closed-mined," Mead said.

News4Jax has attempted to contact Fussell repeatedly for comment on the issue, but his staff said he's been in meetings and is too busy to talk. The voicemail on his phone is full.

News4Jax is looking into financial records about weddings at the courthouse and how much money will be lost by closing the chapel. 


About the Author:

Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.