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.
The bill now moves to the Alabama House of Representatives.