Syracuse, NY Judge Refuses to Marry Queer Couple in Civil Ceremony

(December 5, 2024) - News broke this week that Syracuse Justice, Felicia Pitts Davis refused to marry a lesbian couple in a civil ceremony in the Central New York city in mid-November. Shawntay Davis, 33, and Niccora Davis, 29 watched an opposite sex couple before them be married by Judge Pitts-Davis without issue but when it was their turn to step forward, the judge walked out with what one of the brides called, “a disgusted look” not to return. A second judge came out and took over leaving the couple confused and disheartened. They tried to enjoy their special day but thoughts of what happened and it’s implications lingered. The couple says they aren’t looking to punish the Judge but do hope this doesn’t happen to another couple. The Post-Standard cited two unnamed sources who said Pitts Davis told Doherty (the judge who stepped in) that she didn't want to marry the two women due to her "religious beliefs."

Pitts Davis was referred to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct while Gov. Kathy Hochul, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, CNY Pride, and both the Onondaga County Democratic Chairperson Max Ruckdeschel and the Syracuse Republican Committee called for a full investigation and Pitts Davis’ resignation. What isn’t being as widely talked about is for over 10 days, local and state court officials attempted to keep the situation a secret. Syracuse.com reports the court refused to even acknowledge that any weddings happened in court that day nor would they respond to inquiries from media regarding why Davis walked out.