Sunday Focus: Marriage

   If you ever wondered just why Alabama's marriage law says probate judges may instead of shall issue the licenses, Associated Press reporter Jay Reeves to the rescue. He writes the state law was changed in 1961, just as probate judges were being confronted by the issue of "mixed race" marriages:

Alabama Judicial Building

The new law, which records show passed unanimously, included this line: "Marriage licenses may be issued by the judges of probate of the several counties." Since the U.S. Supreme Court's June ruling, some same-sex marriage opponents have used that word "may" to avoid issuing marriage licenses. So far, no one has sued them.

 Read the entire AP story HERE.

     Meanwhile, Conservative forces in Alabama are urging the state supreme Court to take action to save the probates from being forced to either obey the law or quit their elected positions.

Duty to God, the preservation of our constitutional republic, and the future of families and children require no less than a prompt and resolute decision in this case.  The Alabama Supreme Court should act immediately to protect the sincerely held religious beliefs of our citizens and the sanctity of the institution of marriage – as adopted by 81% of Alabama voters.

                                                                                    
(Eunie Smith, President, Eagle Forum of Alabama and Dr. John H. Killian, Sr., former President of the Alabama Baptist State Convention)

[Sunday Focus is a regular feature of www.timlennox.com]