rights
Judge slammed in grand jury report for refusing to officiate lesbian couple's wedding
By Alex Bollinger at LGBTQ Nation
· June 8, 2026
· 1 min read
A grand jury in New York ruled that a judge who refused to marry a same-sex couple in 2024 should be removed from office, ripping into her by accusing her of "[laying] bare her bigotry towards homosexual people and her willingness to put her personal feelings above her oath as an official charged wi
Why this matters
The grand jury's ruling highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring equal access to marriage for same-sex couples, even after the landmark Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. This case underscores the need for accountability among public officials, particularly those in positions of authority like judges, who are sworn to uphold the law and provide equal treatment to all individuals. The fact that a judge would refuse to officiate a wedding for a lesbian couple, citing personal feelings, raises concerns about the ability of LGBTQ+ individuals to receive fair and impartial treatment in the justice system. As this case moves forward, it will be crucial to watch how the state's judicial oversight mechanisms respond to the grand jury's recommendation, and whether the judge is ultimately removed from office. The outcome will have implications for the broader LGBTQ+ community, who may be deterred from seeking public services or participating in the justice system if they perceive bias or hostility from officials.
About this story
Original reporting by LGBTQ Nation . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 8, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A grand jury in New York ruled that a judge who refused to marry a same-sex couple in 2024 should be removed from office, ripping into her by accusing her of "[laying] bare her bigotry towards homosexual people and her willingness to put her personal feelings above her oath as an official charged wi
When was this published? This article was first published on June 8, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alex Bollinger at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .