A New York gay man dodged jury duty this month by saying he could not be impartial because he is treated as a second-class citizen.
Jonathan D Lovitz, a model and actor, was waiting to be called in with other jurors when they were asked whether they could be impartial.
He wrote on his Facebook page: �I raised my hand and said, �Since I can�t get married or adopt a child in the state of New York, I can�t possibly be an impartial judge of a citizen when I am considered a second class one in the eyes of this justice system.�
He was then excused by the judge.
Speaking to News Nation, he said: �It was such a spur of the moment thing. I was shaking, trembling. It just came out of me so spontaneously.
�I never intended to be an activist. . . I�m just a young gay man who saw some inequality in the state, in the country.�
Mr Lovitz added: �We have certain civic responsibilities, like paying our taxes and serving on juries. and I think everyone is obligated to participate.
�But when it�s your turn to say how you really feel, you need to say how you really feel.�
Legal experts say it is up to a judge to dismiss a member of the jury if he or she is considered unable to be impartial.
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