Mike Walker protests on the steps of the Alabama Judicial Building as Roy Moore, Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, discusses complaints filed against him during a press conference at the Judicial Building in Montgomery, Ala., Wednesday April 27, 2016. Moore says a judicial ethics panel should dismiss complaints filed against him as he fought to keep gays and lesbians from marrying in the state. (Mickey Welsh/Montgomery Advertiser via AP)MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore faces removal from the bench over his effort to block same-sex marriage from coming to Alabama despite the U.S. Supreme Court that effectively legalizing gay marriage nationwide.
The Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission on Friday filed ethics charges against Moore accusing him of abusing his authority and failing to respect the judiciary
The charges stem from a January administrative order Moore sent to probate judges telling them an Alabama order banning same-sex marriages remained in effect. His order came six months after U.S. Supreme Court decision effectively legalizing gay marriage nationwide.
Moore issued a statement saying he will fight the charges.
The Alabama Court of the Judiciary will decide whether Moore should be removed.