Keith Bardwell, the justice of the peace from Louisiana who refused to marry an interracial couple, has resigned, effective today.

Bardwell declined to marry Beth Humphrey and Terence McKay out of "concern for the children." The story caused a national controversy, drawing attention to Bardwell, who claims he's always denied marriage licenses to interracial couples in Tangipahoa Parish.

Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA), Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA) all quickly condemned the action and called for the justice of the peace to step down, but Bardwell held his own for weeks, defending himself in TV and print interviews. Noticeably absent was the condemnation of Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), who actually refused to comment when chased down by blogger-activist Mike Stark (video at link). Vitter's office eventually released a statement saying "judges should follow the law as written."

The AP report does not indicate what caused Bardwell to change his mind. Louisiana Secretary Of State Office spokesman Jacques Berry confirmed that Bardwell's resignation is effective today.