Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Fed Judge to Hear Arguments Thurs. on Alabama Gay Marriage
This article continues on with the issue we discussed in class on Monday regarding same-sex marriages in Alabama. Probate judges in a majority of Alabama counties have refused to issue same-sex marriage licenses following the striking down of the state's same-sex marriage ban. As a result, a federal judge will hear arguments Thursday on whether it should order local judges to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples despite their refusal to do so. What do you think of this entire situation? Do you think these judges should be allowed to refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples despite the striking down of the state's same-sex marriage ban by a federal court?
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It's a shame that some people are still so closed minded about this issue. The ruling of the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. That is a federal ruling that ALL judges should follow. It really is absurd that Chief Justice Moore thinks he is above the federal law and tell the probate judges of Alabama that they do not have to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples if they do not want to.
ReplyDeleteSame-sex marriage has already been legalized in Alabama, yet people are still trying to prevent granting marriage licenses to gay couples? It's legal now, so people need to get with the times and accept it. Federal law is supreme, but clearly some don't understand this. Alabama's actions are resembling the Civil Rights Era, and the results, once again, will produce equality.
ReplyDeleteAs we discussed in class last week, this is crazy. Obviously the federal court order must be obeyed by everybody!! And I agree with Jamie that the closed-mindedness is disappointing. Yes, the personal beliefs of the judges should be respected, but as government workers, they should obey the laws.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Obama's prediction for nationwide legalization of gay marriage was very hopeful, though! It will be interesting to see where this goes.
IT IS 2015. I don't understand why people are still so opposed to gay marriage. Let people be happy. It is okay to have different opinions, but not when they are being used to control the lives of those in the LGBT community. It should absolutely not be allowed for the judges to be refusing to issue licenses.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else find it a little odd that probate judges are not required to be lawyers? There may have been a little less resistance had the probate judges recognized that federal law trumps all. However, this is an emotionally charged issue. Because people feel their beliefs should guide their decisions in this case rather than simply the law, it is going to take a long time for such emotionally charged laws to take full effect. I am all for people being able to marry whoever they want to marry. However, I am beginning to worry that this case may turn into another instance of dissenting lawmakers acting with "all deliberate speed" as those in favor work to push the legislation through. For example, one court is handing licenses out, but they refuse to process them. As long as there are loop holes like the aforementioned, many will not be able to get licenses.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the sentiment here. One can love whoever he/she wants to love. However, looking past the issue of gay marriage here, this is an issue of a state disobeying federal law. Why is this still happening? We talked about this in class. The state power v. federal power dispute was decided with a war in the 1800's. These judges have no right to be withholding marriage licenses.
ReplyDeleteThis is ridiculous, but I'm not surprised at all. I've grown up around people who can't accept other people's values so I just normally assume everyone is a bit closed minded until they prove otherwise. What surprises me is that a state is purposely and knowingly disobeying a federal law. That's not how this works.
ReplyDeleteThese judges need to learn that this country is expanding and times are changing. It's like they would rather stick to their stands than see people happy and enjoying life. It's 2015.
ReplyDeleteI am not surprised in the slightest at this disgraceful news. Although our country has grown a lot in the past decade on how we treat gay and lesbian couples, but unfortunately those with the most power to make decisions seem to not understand this change. Hopefully the people of Alabama will grow on this issue, and judges within the state will make more progressive decisions on this issue.
ReplyDeleteI get that some people are extremely against gay-marriage, but if a homosexual couple was trying to get married while the law stood, I'm sure peoples' first argument would be that it is illegal. Now that it is legal, they will just go to a different excuse as long as they achieve their goals, which I think is hypocritical.
ReplyDeleteWhy is still an issue? I'm tired of reading about how some chuckle heads are against gay marriage. GET OVER IT! Times are changing, we don't live inside of caves, and the world is evolving. Let people be happy with whomever they choose to be with.
ReplyDelete