On Monday, March 30, 2026, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct recommended that Syracuse City Court Judge K. Felicia Pitts-Davis be censured for declining to officiate a same-sex marriage ceremony in November 2024, finding that her conduct constituted serious misconduct that undermined public confidence in her impartiality.
According to the Commission, Pitts-Davis refused to perform a scheduled courthouse wedding for a same-sex couple on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, while she was assigned to preside over marriage ceremonies on a rotating basis. Although another judge ultimately conducted the ceremony, the Commission determined that her actions created an appearance of bias and discrimination.
The Commission concluded that censure, rather than removal from office, was the appropriate sanction based on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. It cited several mitigating factors, including that Pitts-Davis had previously officiated same-sex marriages and was undergoing what she described as a “profound re-evaluation” of her religious beliefs at the time.
The judge was also dealing with personal distress, having learned the day before that her brother was terminally ill. He died two days later. The Commission noted that Pitts-Davis sought ethical guidance upon learning that one of the scheduled ceremonies involved a same-sex couple, but was unable to obtain a timely advisory opinion.
Pitts-Davis asked court staff to postpone the same-sex ceremony, and if necessary, both scheduled weddings. While neither ceremony was ultimately delayed, she was reportedly informed that the same-sex marriage had been rescheduled and said she was unaware the couple was present when she officiated another marriage that day.
In its findings, the Commission emphasized that judges who choose to perform marriages must do so without discrimination or the appearance of prejudice. It stated that her refusal “severely undermined public confidence” in her ability to act impartially.
Pitts-Davis acknowledged her conduct was improper, expressed remorse, and agreed to the censure. She also committed to performing same-sex marriage ceremonies in the future when on duty if no other judge is available, recognizing that judicial responsibilities must take precedence over personal beliefs.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
