ClydeR
05-05-2014, 08:51 PM
NEWPORT, Tenn. - An East Tennessee magistrate who ordered a baby’s name changed from Messiah to Martin because she believes Messiah is a title held only by Jesus Christ has been replaced by his district's chief judge.
More... (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-who-ordered-babys-name-changed-from-messiah-is-fired/)
The name change happened in August, when Jalessa Martin and Jawaan McCullough appeared before Ballew at a child support hearing in Newport about their 7-month-old son Messiah Martin. As part of the hearing, the father requested the baby’s last name be changed to McCullough.
Ballew surprised both parents by ordering that the baby’s name change to Martin McCullough, saying that the name Messiah was not in the baby’s best interest. Her written order stated that “Labeling this child ‘Messiah’ places an undue burden on him that as a human being, he cannot fulfill.”
She also said that the name would likely offend many residents of Cocke County, with its large Christian population.
The decision quickly made international news, prompting the Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation to file a complaint with the Board of Judicial Conduct.
Ballew’s decision was overturned in chancery court a month later, and both parents agreed to name the baby Messiah McCullough.
I bet that kid will be back in court 21 years from now getting his name changed.
More... (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-who-ordered-babys-name-changed-from-messiah-is-fired/)
The name change happened in August, when Jalessa Martin and Jawaan McCullough appeared before Ballew at a child support hearing in Newport about their 7-month-old son Messiah Martin. As part of the hearing, the father requested the baby’s last name be changed to McCullough.
Ballew surprised both parents by ordering that the baby’s name change to Martin McCullough, saying that the name Messiah was not in the baby’s best interest. Her written order stated that “Labeling this child ‘Messiah’ places an undue burden on him that as a human being, he cannot fulfill.”
She also said that the name would likely offend many residents of Cocke County, with its large Christian population.
The decision quickly made international news, prompting the Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation to file a complaint with the Board of Judicial Conduct.
Ballew’s decision was overturned in chancery court a month later, and both parents agreed to name the baby Messiah McCullough.
I bet that kid will be back in court 21 years from now getting his name changed.