Almost immediately after Clerk of Court Ronnie Fussell decided to end wedding ceremonies at the Duval County Courthouse, he heard about it.
Through emails and social media, the public told the first-term clerk exactly how it felt — both against and in support of his decision.
“If your (sic) and your staff’s personal beliefs prevent you from performing your duty to this city, I ask that you resign,” said Tempest Arant in a Jan. 2 email to Fussell. “I’m embarrassed for you and for our city.”
It was the first of a couple of dozen emails Fussell received on his decision, which included working toward a solution that would avoid possible litigation.
“There is no place in government for the expression of personal beliefs if it interferes with your job functions; you either perform the job as required or you don’t have the job,” said another email.
Fussell said Friday he regularly reads his emails. He’s seen the majority of those he’s received on the topic — and that they were mostly supportive of his stance. However, he wouldn’t talk about how the week has been for him personally.
A public records request of Fussell’s emails from Dec. 31 — when he announced the decision — to Friday showed two dozen emails on the topic.
Nineteen indicated a level of support for his stance, with the other five admonishing him or asking him to reconsider his
stance.
Anna Brown said she supported Fussell “110% on this issue.” Keith Russell, a senior pastor at Westside Baptist Church, wrote he strongly supported Fussell’s decision and others he spoke to agreed.
“Unfortunately, those who oppose your decision are loud,” Russell said.
And support even came from within his office. Four employees sent emails thanking Fussell for the decision.
Two City Council members wrote Fussell, too. Council member Jim Love asked Fussell to reconsider his decision, saying he believed there was a strong demand for the service.
Council member Ray Holt sent Fussell a brief email Jan. 7 with the subject of “Thankful for you today.” Both are Republicans like Fussell.
Most supporters referenced religious beliefs in their stance.
Harder to quantify was the reaction in social media, although there were several stances on display on Fussell’s Facebook page.
Radio personality Andy Johnson wrote Fussell a lengthy message asking him to “do the right thing” and defend the Constitution and equal treatment.
“You might have your own personal and religious objections to same sex marriage, but it is inconsistent with how you have conducted yourself in public life, till now, if you decide to punish Jacksonville in a temper tantrum over same sex marriage,” wrote Johnson, a former state representative.
It sparked supporters to come to Fussell’s defense and dissenters to chime in.
Editorials at other media outlets have criticized Fussell’s decision, which has been covered nationally and internationally.
And on Twitter, some have announced their side in 140 characters or less.
“This is just mean, spiteful, petty and wholly unprofessional,” tweeted Jim Minion.
Local attorney John Phillips used the platform in hoping other area attorneys would join him in urging Fussell to reinstate ceremonies “in OUR courthouse.”
The Jacksonville Bar Association has become involved, too.
Circuit Judge Karen Cole, a past association president, sent Fussell a letter Jan. 5 crafted by attorney Hank Coxe and other past association presidents.
In it, they call on current President Troy Smith and attorneys to undertake an immediate review of “any and all steps” the association can do to ensure wedding ceremonies continue for those financially less fortunate.
The letter even suggests the association has physical space on the second floor of the courthouse and more than 2,000 members who can assist.
Smith previously said an idea being discussed is having members who are notaries public volunteer to sign up as wedding officiants.
Chief Judge Mark Mahon met with the judiciary late last week on the issue.
He said Friday he plans to meet with Bar representatives this week to hear their proposals.
Mahon said he also spoke with Sam Jacobson, one of the attorneys who sent Fussell a letter indicating legal action could be coming if the decision was not reversed.
Although that letter wanted Fussell to respond by the end of business Friday, Mahon said more time was being given while possible solutions were being discussed.
@writerchapman
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