And another one bites the dust!
A federal judge in Alabama has become the latest to strike down a state ban on same-sex marriage, ruling against the Yellowhammer State’s prohibition on gay nuptials on the basis that it violates the Fourteenth Amendment. In a 10-page decision on Friday, U.S. District Judge Callie V.S. Granade, an appointee of George W. Bush, issued summary judgement in favor of a plaintiff same-sex couple, finding Alabama marriage laws violate the couple’s right to due process and equal protection under the U.S. Constitution. “There has been no evidence presented that these marriage laws have any effect on the choices of couples to have or raise children, whether they are same-sex couples or opposite-sex couples,” Granade writes. “In sum, the laws in question are an irrational way of promoting biological relationships in Alabama.”
And as usual it didn’t take the haters led by Family Research Council President Tony Pewrkins to start the anti-gay whinefest.
Tony Perkins, via press release:
“This federal judge is throwing out the votes of the people of Alabama and attempting to shut down the debate over marriage. In exercising their right to vote, Alabama voters overwhelmingly sent a message that that they want to see society rebuild and strengthen marriage – not have it redefined by unelected judges. As one judge after another has robbed the people of their voice, the U.S. Supreme Court’s intervention last week was long overdue. It is time that the courts respect the freedom of the people to uphold the timeless and natural definition of marriage as the union of a man and a woman. There is nothing in the U.S. Constitution that empowers this federal judge to overturn Alabama’s marriage amendment nor any basis for the U.S. Supreme Court to impose a 50 state same-sex ‘marriage’ mandate.”
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley:
Mike Hubbard, Republican Alabama House Speaker who was indicted on 23 felony corruption charges in late October and who refuses to resign.
“It is outrageous when a single unelected and unaccountable federal judge can overturn the will of millions of Alabamians who stand in firm support of the Sanctity of Marriage Act. The Legislature will encourage a vigorous appeals process, and we will continue defending the Christian conservative values that make Alabama a special place to live.”
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange has filed an emergency stay request:
Defendant and the State of Alabama will suffer irreparable harm if marriages are recognized on an interim basis that are ultimately determined to be inconsistent with Alabama law, resulting in confusion in the law and in the legal status of marriages. Granting a stay will not harm the Plaintiffs, but would only maintain the status quowhile these issues are considered by the appellate courts. Finally, a stay will serve the public interest by avoiding the confusion and inconsistency that will result from an on-again, off-again enforcement of marriage laws.
Should Judge Granade deny his request, the aptly named Strange will have to take his stay request to the Eleventh Circuit Court, which last month denied the same request from Florida.
That’s all for now y’all!