State Leaders React to Supreme Court Ruling on Gay Marriage
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Gay marriage is now legal in Alabama and every other state. And while it’s a historic victory for gay rights advocates, others, including many of our conservative state officials, are disappointed with the ruling.
Same sex marriage is now the law of the land. Strong reaction from state officials came shortly after a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling that lifted the ban on gay marriage. Governor Robert Bentley says while he doesn’t support the ruling, he will respect the law.
“We have to go, obviously, by what the courts say, but I certainly can disagree with them and I do. I, like 81% of the people of Alabama, believe that marriage is, at least in the Biblical sense, is defined by one man and one woman.”
“I think it’s a dangerous time for our country,” says Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore. “I think it’s a dangerous time for religious liberty.”
Moore is and always has been a staunch opponent of same-sex marriage. He criticizes the Supreme Court ruling, saying the judges voted on emotions.
“This is not civil rights. This is not the genetic or the color of one’s skin. This is about how you feel. The definition of marriage is not in the constitution. It existed long before our country came into effect. It was given by God.”
Moore says there may still be debate as to whether all probate judges have to issue marriage licenses.
Attorney General Luther Strange also issued a statement. He says in part:
“While I do not agree with the opinion of the majority of the justices in their decision, I acknowledge that the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling is now the law of the land.” He goes on to say: “But while the states are now required to recognize same-sex marriage, I expect the focus will now turn to the exercise of one’s religious liberty.”
Political Analyst Steve Flowers says state leaders are just echoing many of their constituents.
“You can’t blame the governor or chief justice for saying they’re opposed to it because I mean, most Alabamians are.”
But Flowers says times, as well as opinions, are changing.
“It’s been several years since the polling and a lot of young people are not as opposed to gay marriage as older people are.”
