TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision striking down state gay marriage bans, several Alabama probate judges are refusing to perform ceremonies for same-sex couples, while at least one other says he will not be issuing marriage licenses at all.
Friday morning the Pike County probate office website posted that it would no longer issue marriage licenses or perform ceremonies.
“I am saddened that the United States Supreme Court ruled as they did but this ruling does not invalidate Alabama Code Section 30-1-9, which states ‘Marriage licenses may be issued by the judges of probate of the several counties,’ Judge Allen said. “The word ‘may’ provides probate judges with the option of whether or not to engage in the practice of issuing marriage licenses and I have chosen not to perform that function.
“My office discontinued issuing marriage licenses in February and I have no plans to put Pike County back into the marriage business. The policy of my office regarding marriage is no different today than it was yesterday.”
Tuscaloosa County probate judge Hardy McCollum told reporters that he does not support gay marriage and will not perform marriage ceremonies for those couples, and will wait 21 days before issuing licenses.
Cleburne County Probate Judge Ryan Robertson said he will not perform any marriages in his courthouse, but has not made a decision on whether he will issue marriage licenses.
“I still have three weeks to make a decision,” Robertson said. “I will be praying on it. I sure don’t want to hurt folks in my county who want to get married traditionally.”
Bibb County Probate Judge Jerry Pow said he will not be issuing any marriage licenses at this time.
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— Elizabeth BeShears (@LizEBeesh) January 21, 2015
