The Alabama Supreme Court issued an order to probate judges to halt the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples. This order comes three days after the landmark 5-4 ruling by the United States Supreme Court upholding the constitutionality of same-sex marriage. A similar order was issued in March following US District Court Judge Callie Granade’s ruling striking down the state’s ban on gay marriage.
In the writ of mandamus issued Monday, the Supreme Court has ordered probate judges to refrain from issuing same-sex marriage licenses for a duration of 25 days. According to al.com, Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore said parties have a 25-day period to contest a US Supreme Court ruling before it becomes a mandate, and in that period, the Alabama Supreme Court will hold a hearing to hear petitions in an Alabama Policy Institute lawsuit. Moore and Alabama Supreme Court Justice Greg Shaw recused themselves from the order.
According to the Tuscaloosa County Probate Office, the county will not issue same-sex marriage licenses for 21 days, but will continue to receive applications.
Editor’s note: This story is developing and will be updated as information becomes available.