(WDNG) – Calhoun County Probate Judge Alice Martin on Monday said her office will follow the previous day’s order from Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore that prohibits the issuance of marriage licenses inconsistent with a state law. A ruling by U.S. District Judge Ginny Grenade last month overturned Alabama’s bans on same-sex marriage, but it was met with an order by Moore on Sunday that directed probate office employees not to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Martin told reporters that her office was prepared to offer licenses until that order was issued and says she is following the law.
Supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage gathered in front of the Ken Joiner Administration Building in Anniston for demonstrations on Monday morning. Those locally opposed to Grenade’s ruling held signs and a copy of the Bible as they praised Martin for following Moore’s order but expressed pessimism about the outcome of their protests. Same-sex marriage opponent Brett Skinner said he believes the practice will eventually be legal in Alabama. “The odds are against us in this, but that’s not going to stop us from standing up,” said Skinner.
The number of supporters of same-sex marriage at the Anniston demonstration outnumbered those opposed by nearly 3-to-1. One protester told a reporter around noon that the crowd has started to thin because some same-sex couples were travelling to Etowah County to apply for marriage licenses. Supporters said they had to disband by 1 p.m. because their demonstration permit had expired but would continue calling the probate judge’s office each hour to express their concerns.
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange said Grenade’s order remains in effect with the lifting of the 14-day stay. In a statement on Monday, Strange says he is not able to enforce Alabama’s laws against same-sex marriage in an official capacity. “To clarify my authority in this matter, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office does not issue marriage licenses, perform marriage ceremonies, or issue adoption certificates” said Strange.
In a statement on Monday, Gov. Robert Bentley said he will allow the issue of same-sex marriage to be worked out through the proper legal channels because any action taken would further complicate the issue.
and constitutional amendment that both ban same-sex marriages.
Martin told reporters that her office was prepared to offer licenses until that order was issued and says she is following the law.