Alabama has been the most active of all states in opposing same-sex marriage since the Supreme Court issued it’s historic ruling. Now the state looks to make the final move available to it and is replacing licenses with contracts. One of the main objections in the state has been judges refusing to issue a licenses which would no longer be necessary as the contract will have to be recorded in county records much like a deed. An openly gay representative expressed dismay at the proposal and referred to the legislation as unnecessary. In addition, clerks might also refuse to file the contracts of same-sex couples in a similar manner to the way that judges have refused to act. The bill must be approved by the state’s House of Representatives where it is expected to pass and move onto the governor’s desk soon after.
See, Alabama Senate approves replacing marriage licenses with contracts, Al.com, March , 2016.
Special thanks to Brian Cohan (Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Brian J. Cohan, P.C.) for bringing this article to my attention.
