More than 75% of Alabama counties are
issuing marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples.
Two federal rulings striking down
Alabama's ban on gay marriage took effect on Monday, February 9. But
only 9 counties began issuing marriage licenses to gay couples on
that day. Most counties either refused to issue such licenses or
suspended issuing all marriage licenses.
The confusion stemmed from an order
issued Sunday, February 8 by Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy
S. Moore.
Moore ordered probate judges not to
issue marriage licenses to gay couples, arguing that federal district
court's opinions “do not bind the state courts of Alabama but only
serve as persuasive authority.”
Republican Governor Robert Bentley said
in a statement that he supports the probate judges and will not
intervene.
According to LGBT rights advocate
Equality Alabama, 51 out of Alabama's 67 counties are now issuing
marriage licenses to couples regardless of sexual orientation.