Roy Moore: Alabama Chief Justice orders state judges to disregard same-sex marriage law
Mr Moore has issued a four-page order saying the state law banning gay marriage still exists
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court Roy Moore has ordered state judges to ignore same-sex marriage laws and said they should not issue any gay marriage licenses.
Mr Moore, who has a history of voicing his anti-gay marriage views, issued a so-called administrative order on Wednesday which attempts to contradict the nation-wide law that legalized gay marriage on 3 March 2015.
“Alabama probate judges have a ministerial duty not to issue any marriage license contrary to [the Sanctity of Marriage Amendment or the Marriage Protection Act]. Nothing in the United States Constitution alters or overrides this duty.”
The four-page order said that “confusion and uncertainty exist” among local judges who were either operating by so-called Alabama state laws which ban same-sex marriage or adhering to the case of Obergefell v Hodges, which legalized gay marriage last year.
“Many probate judges are issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in accordance with Obergefell; others are issuing marriage licenses only to couples of the opposite gender or have ceased issuing all marriage licenses. This disparity affects the administration of justice in this State,” the order read.
Mr Moore pointed to states such as Nebraska and Kansas, where the federal ruling has been challenged in court.
He added that he is authorised and empowered to “take affirmative action” and order that until further decision is taken by the Alabama Supreme Court, the Alabama Sanctity of Marriage Amendment and the Alabama Marriage Protection Act remain in force.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments