A Tangipahoa justice of the peace is at the heart of an international controversy after refusing to marry an interracial couple.

"No, I don't regret what I did and if it ever came up again, I'd have to do the same thing."

Strong words from justice of the peace Keith Bardwell, who says he refused to marry Beth and Terence McKay, simply because they were an interracial couple. He says their children will have a difficult life growing up biracial.

"I don't feel right by putting some innocent person that has nothing to do with the marriage in that position, and that's my only reason" said Bardwell.

Louisiana Law says a justice of the peace is authorized but not mandated to perform marriages. that being said legal experts say a federal civil rights violation may have taken place. 

The couple has since been married, and is calling on Bardwell to step down. He says this is the fourth interracial marriage he's denied since being elected 34 years ago.

Reporter: If someone said you're a racist, what would you say to that?

Bardwell: absolutely not...my definition of a racist is to hate black people or treat them different than everyone else.

Bardwell says he truly believes he did the right thing, arguing in the couple is now happily married.

"I did not keep this couple from getting married. I actually told them where they could go to get married."

At this point, Bardwell has no plans to step down and says he'll continue doing what he loves....serving the people.  

"It's kind of hard to apologize for something that really and truly down in your heart you don't feel you've done wrong" says Bardwell.

According to the Louisiana Judicial Code of Conduct quote "a judge shall perform judicial duties without bias or prejudice."

The Louisiana Judiciary Commission says they will not comment on whether they are investigating the matter, but the State Supreme Court would have the final say on any disciplinary action taken on Bardwell.