US: Same-sex weddings set to begin tomorrow in Alabama
Same-sex weddings are set to begin tomorrow in some parts of Alabama – though some probate judges are refusing to comply.
District court Judge Callie VS Granade ruled last month that the state’s ‘Sanctity of Marriage Amendment’ – which defined marriage as between a man and a woman – was unconstitutional.
After the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to stay the ruling, it is set to come into effect on Monday morning.
However, a number of probate judges including Alabama’s Chief Justice Roy Moore, have indicated that they will directly disobey the court ruling, and continue to ban same-sex weddings.
Some – including Pike County Probate Judge Wes Allen – plan to stop performing weddings altogether.
Allen said: “The people of Pike County elected me to perform my duties and they also elected me because of who I am and the values I live by.
“I am choosing to take the Pike County Probate Office out of the marriage licensing business altogether.
“Marriage licenses and ceremonies are not available at the Pike County Probate Office.
“Pike County residents who are seeking marriage licenses can do so at any Probate Judge’s office in the state that offers that service and are not required to apply for their license in their county of residence.
If marriages are allowed to begin, Alabama will become the 37th state to recognise equal marriage.
