County OKs same-sex marriage: Probate judge heeds counsel after SCOTUS rule

By Alison James

alison.james@fct.wpengine.com

In a 5-4 ruling Friday, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that same-sex couples can marry, nationwide, denying states’ ability to ban same-sex marriage.
The 103-page document, including the opinion of the court as well dissenting opinions, is not yet being universally accepted, however. In Franklin County, the probate office delayed giving out marriage licenses at all – for same-sex as well as heterosexual couples – when the ruling first came down; the same situation was true for other counties in Alabama, particularly Northwest Alabama, as well as other states.
“The opinion will need to be closely analyzed by legal counsel before deciding upon a proper course of action,” said Probate Judge Barry Moore Monday morning.
However, by Tuesday afternoon, legal advice led Moore to affirm that his office is “going to issue licenses for every couple that qualifies under the law,” – same sex couples as well as heterosexual couples.
The Alabama Supreme Court Monday issued an order that has been met with some confusion. It mentions a 25-day period during which a petition can be filed for a rehearing of the case. Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore has been particularly outspoken against same-sex marriage.
Barry Moore said he can’t be sure at this time what impact that order will have on the distribution of marriage licenses in the weeks to come.
Gov. Robert Bentley issued the following statement the day the ruling was announced.
“I have always believed in the Biblical definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman,” Bentley said. “That definition has been deeply rooted in our society for thousands of years. Regardless of today’s ruling by the Supreme Court, I still believe in a one man and one woman definition of marriage. The people of Alabama also voted to define marriage as between a man and woman. I always respect the people’s vote, and I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has disregarded the choice made by the people of Alabama in its decision today.”
Reactions, naturally, are mixed on the Supreme Court result. While many throughout the nation are celebrating, one group that is standing against the ruling is those who are religious – not all, but many.
“For us personally, it is a sad day in the sense that what’s been defined as marriage since the beginning of time has changed,” said Wade Wallace, minister at Calvary Baptist Church in Russellville. “We can’t give up. We have to keep on telling about Christ. Jesus is still in control.”
Wallace said the important thing is to keep sharing the love of Jesus with people and love the person even though they don’t agree with the lifestyle choice.
“Everyone needs redemption. We all need His forgivingness… we all need God’s grace,” Wallace said.
Although same-sex marriage has been a divisive, hot topic nationwide, Moore said it is perhaps not as prevalent of an issue in Franklin County.
“We haven’t had that many (requests),” Moore said. “Since the (February 2015 federal ruling), we’ve had two.”
Moore said of those two, one couple filled out an application but never returned to pick up the marriage license. The second couple did pick up the license and were married but not by Moore.
More information is sure to be shared in the days and weeks to come, and it’s hard to yet predict how Friday’s Supreme Court ruling will affect Alabama and Franklin County.
“Today the United States Supreme Court overturned centuries of tradition and the will of the citizens of a majority of the States in declaring that Alabama and the rest of the nation must legally recognize same-sex marriage,” said Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange. “But while the states are now required to recognize same-sex marriage, I expect the focus will now turn to the exercise of one’s religious liberty. I will continue to defend the religious liberties of Alabamians and ensure that people and businesses honoring their religious beliefs are protected.”