Columnist John Reed of Al.com is reporting good news today: probate judges in some Alabama counties are saying they will “stop issuing marriage licenses to anyone after same-sex marriages become legal in Alabama Monday. Judges in at least four counties have said they won’t issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples .”
According to Reed, Pike County Probate Judge Wes Allen was the first to announce Friday that the county won’t issue marriage licenses or perform marriage ceremonies anymore. In a news release Judge Allen indicated that this allows him to obey the law and his Christian beliefs. “The people of Pike County elected me to perform my duties and they also elected me because of who I am and the values I live by,” said Allen. “I am choosing to take the Pike County Probate Office out of the marriage licensing business altogether.”
Clarke County Probate Judge Valerie Davis also announced that her office wouldn’t issue marriage licenses or perform marriages: “I do not think I am required to compromise my religious beliefs to be Probate Judge. Alabama law does not mandate me to issue marriage licenses to anyone of any gender.”
Washington County Probate Judge Nick Williams said he “will continue to abide by his oath of office as supported by his constituents and guided by the Alabama Supreme Court, and will only issue marriage licenses and solemnize ceremonies consistent with Alabama law and the U.S. Constitution; namely, between one man and one woman only, so help me God.”
David Kennedy, an attorney for plaintiffs Cari Searcy and Kim McKeand in Mobile, said this is “incredibly foolish” and that the Christian judges are “doing an incredible disservice to the residents of their county.”
Speaking of Cari and Kim…
