Alabama probate judge says federal government could issue same-sex marriage licenses
An Alabama probate judge is asking the state supreme court to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages unless the licenses were issued by the federal government or states with laws legalizing such marriages.
The judge, John Enslen, tells Al.com he believes he is wrongfully compelled to issue same-sex marriage licenses and the federal government should take over the job. He says many licenses are already issued by federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Federal Communications Commission.
Another probate judge in Washington County, Nick Williams, has also asked the state supreme court to act. He maintains probate judges with religious objections should be allowed to refrain from issuing same-sex marriage licenses.
