A pastor, priest, rabbi, etc., should not be forced to perform marriages that violate their religious beliefs or conscience, but a government official should.
Also, an objection to interracial marriage is not a reasonable issue of conscience. It is not only racist, but irrational and arbitrary. What if one JOP doesn't think it is right for blonds to marry brunettes, or a man to marry a woman who is taller than him? What if a judge doesn't believe a paralyzed person should be married? Should we have conscience exceptions for all these things.
Abortion is totally different, as it is the taking of a human life. Also, performing abortions is by no means essential or even typical for most doctors, whereas issuing marriage licenses and performing weddings is an essential function of a JOP.
Also, even if one thought he should not be forced to perform the ceremony, there is absolutely no excuse for him refusing to issue the license.
I’m surprised this is the first one he has seen. I know more interracial couples than black couples