I think you’re on to something with that, it’s just not very judicially appropriate to have a temper tantrum in court and the choice of ADF specifically (since they’re well-known for shenaniganery when it comes to social issues) is suspect. Maybe the judge wasn’t aware of their history and chose them because the name sounded good but in a position where you’re relied upon to use sound and reasonable decision-making skills, it is a problem.
Neither ignorance nor malice are acceptable from the bench and, after reading up on Judge Brantley Starr’s biography, I’m leaning toward this being a case of his personal values being pushed on others.