Judge Who Changed Baby’s Name from Messiah to Martin Violated Judicial Conduct

Said only Jesus Christ could carry the name "Messiah"

By Eliana Dockterman @edockterman Oct. 26, 2013

A judge has been charged with violating the state’s Code of Judicial Conduct for ordering a baby’s name changed from Messiah to Martin.

Child Support Magistrate Lu Ann Ballew ordered that the child’s name be changed during a paternity hearing on Aug. 8. The mother hoped the child would retain her surname and be called Messiah Deshawn Martin, while the father wanted the baby to bear his, McCullough, according to the Associated Press.

Instead, Ballew ordered the baby’s name be changed to Martin Deshawn McCullough because, she said, the name Messiah is a title that can only be held by Jesus Christ, and it would place an undue burden on the child.

That decision has since been overturned.

[AP] http://nation.time.com/2013/10/26/ju...#ixzz2is0Jn7b8