Alabama Lawmakers Find New Way To Ban Gay Marriage Even If Supreme Court Rules In Favor
Lawmakers have found a way they believe will ensure that same-sex couples won’t be able to be married or have their marriages recognized in Alabama – and it’s already halfway there.
Perhaps it makes sense the flag of Alabama (above) is a great big red “X.”
Late Monday afternoon the Alabama Senate passed a bill that would abolish the issuance of marriage licenses altogether from the state. Instead of issuing marriage licenses, couples would have to file a contract with the state that says they are legally authorized to be married.
The catch? Alabama law does not allow same-sex couples to be married, but as attorney Jake Watson tells WHNT News, this new approach might be legal since Alabama could argue it merely is regulating the types of contracts it recognizes and authorizes. Watson says this could end up at the Supreme Court, even if the justices later this month rule in favor of same-sex marriage.
Alabama Senators seem only too happy to get out of the marriage business to “save” marriage – for different-sex couples.
They passed SB-377 yesterday by a vote of 22-3.
It now heads to the Alabama House, where it likely will pass.Â
The move is being applauded by several among the far right, conservative, and “libertarian” wings of the Republican party nationwide.Â

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.
![]() |