Ohio judge wants to know if he can refuse gay weddings

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — A judge who refused to marry a same-sex couple said today he wants to know if he can skip out of performing gay weddings altogether.

Toledo Municipal Court Judge C. Allen McConnell said he didn't marry the couple earlier this week because of his personal and religious beliefs. Another judge was brought in to perform the wedding the same day.

The court uses a weekly rotation of judges to perform marriages and handle other unscheduled matters. Judge McConnell was on duty Monday when he refused to perform the wedding.

"I apologize to the couple for the delay they experienced and wish them the best," he said in a statement.

He also said he'll continue to perform weddings between men and women while he waits to hear if he can opt out of same-sex marriages.

The judge said he would seek an opinion from the Ohio Supreme Court, but court spokesman Bret Crow said the request would need to go before a board appointed by the court that handles conduct and ethics matters involving judges.