Alabama US Attorneys: Probate judges not free to disobey the law on marriage equality

Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore

HUNTSVILLE- Both of Alabama’s United States Attorneys, Joyce White Vance and Kenyen Brown, have issued a stern warning to probate judges throughout the Alabama concerning today’s directive from Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore to not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
“The Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court has issued an administrative order, directing probate judges that they may not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last year on marriage equality. We have grave concerns about this order, which directs Alabama probate judges to disobey the ruling of the Supreme Court,” said U.S. Attorneys Joyce White Vance of the Northern District of Alabama and Kenyen Brown of the Southern District of Alabama. “Government officials are free to disagree with the law, but not to disobey it. This issue has been decided by the highest court in the land and Alabama must follow that law.”

“Alabama probate judges have a ministerial duty not to issue any marriage license contrary to the Alabama Sanctity of Marriage Amendment or the Alabama Marriage Protection Act.”  says Justice Roy Moore.

It remains to be seen just how far reaching Moore’s directive will prove to be, if at all.  Some critics claim Moore is grandstanding, others say he is doing the right thing.