In responding to an Alabama county's
decision to begin issuing marriage licenses to gay and lesbian
couples, Alabama State Rep. Will Ainsworth, a Republican, vowed to
continue to fight against its legalization “even after others have
surrendered.”
Marshall County Probate Judge Tim
Mitchell is among the dozens of judges who have decided to follow a
federal judge's ruling striking down the state's ban on gay marriage.
Mitchell's decision comes after the same judge ordered Mobile County
to begin issuing marriage licenses to gay couples.
“Issuance of marriage licenses is a
vital function of the probate office to the citizens of Marshall
County,” Mitchell, a Democrat, said in a statement. “Under the
terms of Judge [Callie] Granade's order, I must now also issue
marriage licenses to same-same-sex couples. I respect the rule of
the law and I will abide by the order of Judge Granade, unless the
federal courts of the courts of the state of Alabama provide further
guidance or rulings on this issue. I appreciate the patience of all
Marshall County citizens during this difficult time of transition.”
Ainsworth, who represents the county,
criticized Mitchell's decision.
“As a Christian and former youth
pastor, I cannot stand idly by while the wishes of almost 90 percent
of Marshall County voters who supported the Sanctity of Marriage
Amendment are being violated by liberal judges pursuing a political
agenda,” Ainsworth
said.
“The probate judge in Marshall
County, who is a Democrat, must not capitulate to the ungodly and
immoral attacks on traditional marriage. If I were in his shoes, I
would stand strong and hold my ground in defense of God's law, not
the unconstitutional and immoral law being manufactured by liberal
activists.”
“During the campaign, my signs
carried the slogan 'Fight Obama,' and, make no mistake, the gay
rights agenda is the bedrock of Obama's agenda. I will use the
upcoming session to look for every legislative remedy and tool that
can be used to protect our traditional, conservative Alabama values,
and I will continue the fight even after others have surrendered,”
he added.