MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Senate voted Tuesday to do away with state-issued marriage licenses following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling effectively legalizing same-sex marriage.
Senators approved the bill 23-3. It would require couples to file a form recording their marriage rather than have county probate offices issue licenses.
Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range said the change would end controversy over marriage licenses while ensuring people can marry whomever they choose.
A few Alabama probate judges have stopped issuing marriage licenses altogether to avoid giving them to same-sex couples.
Rep. Patricia Todd, the only openly gay legislator in the state, calls the bill unnecessary. She said probate judges should do their job and issue licenses.