Judge Who Ordered Child's Name Changed From 'Messiah' to Martin Fired, Faces Judicial Board for Decision
The Tennessee judge who ordered a couple to change their child's name from Messiah to Martin has been released from her position. Lu Ann Ballew, a former Child Support Magistrate, now faces a hearing to determine whether she violated Tennessee's Code of Judicial Conduct, which includes performing one's job without bias or prejudice based on religion.
The case gained national attention in August, when Jaleesa Martin and her husband, Jawaan McCullough went to court to determine their son's official surname. McCullough wanted the child to share his last name, while Martin wanted the baby to carry her last name. McCullough named the boy Messiah DeShawn Martin but was told by Judge Ballew that the name was not legitimate and ordered it changed to Martin DeShawn McCullough.
"The word Messiah is a title, and it's a title that has only been earned by one person, and that one person is Jesus Christ," Judge Ballew told WBIR-TV. "It could put him at odds with a lot of people and at this point he has had no choice in what his name is. Labeling this child 'Messiah' places an undue burden on him that as a human being, he cannot fulfill."
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The Cocke County Chancercy Court overturned Judge Ballew's order and allowed the name Messiah to stay as the child's legal name. The baby boy is now legally known as Messiah DeShawn MucCollugh, much to the delight of his parents.
Martin said at the time that she wanted to give her youngest son a unique name that flowed with the names of her other sons, Micah and Mason.
"Everybody believes what they want, so I think I should be able to name my child what I want to name him, not someone else," Martin told WBIR.
Now Judge Ballew will have to answer for her ruling at a judicial board hearing. She has been accused of violating the judicial code of conduct with regard to religious bias. Judge Ballew maintains that she did nothing wrong in the case and will have the opportunity to defend herself on March 3.
