JACKSONVILLE — An openly gay man plans to take a stand against a recent decision by the clerk of courts to stop performing any more weddings at the Duval County Courthouse.

Chuck Chapman will appear for jury duty on Feb. 24 to tell the judge that he will not serve because he feels uncomfortable in the courthouse.

In January, Clerk of Courts Ronnie Fussell made a decision to stop courthouse ceremonies in part because he and other members of his staff say they don’t feel comfortable performing same-sex weddings.

Chapman disagrees with his decision.

“I’m a taxpayer in this community. I’m a citizen in this community. My rights should be across the board just like anybody else has and anybody else wants and anybody else needs. It’s my rights as a citizen in Duval County and the state of Florida,” Chapman said.

Chapman has been summoned for jury duty before. But he said when his name is called this time, he will tell the judge the reasons he won’t be able to serve as a juror. He said Fussell’s personal views and those of his staffers have no business in the courthouse.

“Ronnie Fussell is an elected official in this town. It’s government for the people, by the people. I’m a citizen, a vote. I pay my taxes. Just because it’s across the board, his decision not to do it any longer, has me willing to make this statement.”

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