Less Than Half Of Alabama Counties Are Issuing Marriage Licenses To Same-Sex Couples
A growing number, but still well less than half of Alabama’s 67 counties are following the law and issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
On Monday, a stay on a federal court ruling striking down Alabama’s ban on same-sex marriage expired. At that moment, probate judges in all 67 counties in the Heart of Dixie should have opened their doors to same-sex couples and begin issuing them marriage licenses. Instead, some closed their doors to all couples, not just same-sex couples, some outright refused to issue licenses to same-sex couples, and a very few, eleven, to be exact, complied with the law.Â
Three days in, as of this writing, there are 24 counties in which same-sex couples can legally marry, according to a list by Freedom To Marry and Equality Alabama. That number does not include judges who have chosen to accept applications but not issue licenses, which is still a violation of Judge Granade’s orders.
LOOK:Â Ted Cruz Introduces Bill To Strip Federal Benefits From Married Same-Sex Couples
While slightly double Monday’s number, it still reveals the level of challenge Alabama’s LGBT community faces, and the degree of animus many across the state face.
In fact, a poll published this week by the Public Religion Research Institute finds Alabama’s support for same-sex marriage is the lowest in the nation.
And there it is. First marriage license to a same-sex couple in Calhoun County. pic.twitter.com/Z1hl8egfx7
— Tim Lockette (@TLockette_Star) February 11, 2015
Image via Twitter
Â
Related:
Watch: Straight Couple Reacts To Being Denied Marriage License
Obama: ‘My Sense Is The Supreme Court Is About To Make A Shift’ For Marriage Equality
Alabama Minister Arrested After Offering To Perform Same-Sex Wedding
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.