Governor On Judges Refusing Same-Sex Couples: ‘I Really Don’t Have Anything To Do With That’

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley served up a hands off, responsibility-denying statement to reporters on camera today, as judges in his state openly flout the law.

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If you’re one of 67 probate judges in the state of Alabama, Governor Robert Bentley has your back. In the Heart of Dixie, the governor wants everyone to know the execution of the law and protection of citizens is second to the personal religious beliefs of elected county judges, and far above the needs and rights of Alabama’s same-sex couples.

On Monday, as same-sex marriage became legal in Alabama, probate judges, responsible for issuing marriage licenses, debated whether to follow the law as instructed by a federal judge who was supported by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court, or Alabama’s fire-and-brimstone Chief Justice. Twenty-four hours later, 51 of 67 probate judges opted to follow the likely unconstitutional and illegal direction of Chief Justice Roy Moore. They were, of course, bolstered by Alabama Republican Governor Robert Bentley, who issued a statement on Monday declaring he would not press charges or take any action in his authority against them, regardless of their decision to do the job they are paid and elected to do.

WATCH: Alabama Minister Arrested After Offering To Perform Same-Sex Wedding

Calling Bentley’s promise to not take action against any judges “particularly galling,” on Monday the Human Rights Campaign asked, “Is Anyone in Charge in Alabama?“ 

“This is not exactly a ‘profiles in courage’ moment by Governor Bentley. When Justice Roy Moore chose to ignore a federal ruling, at least he was willing to own up to it,” said HRC Vice President of Communications Fred Sainz. “In fact, Governor Bentley is now just as complicit in kicking up lawlessness and discrimination in his state as Moore. That’s not leadership, it’s political cowardice.”

Bentley was out talking to reporters today.

“My personal belief is that marriage is between a man and a woman,” Bentley told reporters this afternoon. “There has been a lot of confusion on what probate judges are to do,” Bentley added, ignoring the fact that the confusion stems entirely from Judge Roy Moore’s, again, likely unconstitutional and illegal direction.

“Probate judges are really in a bind right now,” a sympathetic governor offered, “and I understand that. I appreciate our probate judges. They have to make a tough decision right now, on which way they are going to go.”

“You have to decide about how you should follow the law in your area,” Bentley insisted, suggesting the law somehow is different in each county. 

“I’m in the executive branch,” Bentley added. “The judicial branch of government is totally different, and I really don’t have anything to do with that.”

Bentley went on to say that in four months “we’re going to know what the answer is” from the Supreme Court. 

Given that the law is already known in the state of Alabama, not enforcing the law is unacceptable.

 

Video and screenshot image via Montgomery Advertiser

 

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