Same-Sex Marriage: Alabama Appeals Ruling On Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Decision And Marriages On Hold

Same-sex marriage has been a contentious issue for many years in America, and it has been a hot topic for at least the past two years. In 2014, several states began to vote and repeal their ban on same-sex marriage, prompting outrage and increased marriage licenses. Earlier in 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court said it would hear arguments for same-sex marriage, according to the Inquisitr.

In Alabama, the same judge who initially threw out the state’s same-sex marriage ban has now put a 14-day hold on that decision. Judge Granade put same-sex marriage on hold so that the Alabama attorney general would have the opportunity to appeal the ruling. However, she also stated that it would put same-sex couples in limbo, NBC News reported.

“As long as a stay is in place, same-sex couples and their families remain in a state of limbo with respect to adoption, child care and custody, medical decisions, employment and health benefits, future tax implications, inheritance and many other rights associated with marriage. The court concludes that these circumstances] constitute irreparable harm. In its discretion, however, the court recognizes the value of allowing the Eleventh Circuit [Court of Appeals] an opportunity to determine whether a stay is appropriate.”

After the 14-day hold, if the stay is not lifted or extended, the hold on same-sex marriages will expire February, 9. ABC News reports that at least two couples were denied marriage licenses due to the stay, but there has been no confusion created by it.

Same-sex marriage continues to dwell in confusion, as the country awaits the Supreme Court’s decision this summer. Thirty-six states so far have completely legalized the practice, while some, like Alabama, have put the situation in limbo. Some states, such as Oklahoma, have chosen to produce bills to protect clergymen.

NewsOk reports that two bills have made their way to the floor to deal with the ban on the same-sex marriage in their state. One such piece of legislation is called House Bill 1125, or the “conscience legislation.” It is meant to allow people to “exercise” their religious values in “good conscience.” Representative David Brumbaugh had his own idea. His bill would prevent clergy from having to “solemnize or recognize any marriage that violates the official’s conscience or religious beliefs.”

The sentiment, besides religious objection, seems to be that marriage is not a “government thing,” as Representative Todd Russ put it. Others agree with that sentiment as well.

[Image Via Wikimedia Commons]