Federal Court Strikes Down Ban on Same-Sex Marriage in Alabama

"This case challenges the constitutionality of the State of Alabama’s “Alabama Sanctity of Marriage Amendment” and the “Alabama Marriage Protection Act.” It is before the Court on cross motions for summary judgment (Docs. 21, 22, 47 & 48). For the reasons explained below, the Court finds the challenged laws to be unconstitutional on Equal Protection and Due Process Grounds...

For the reasons stated above, Plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment (Doc. 21), is GRANTED and Defendant's motion for summary judgment (Docs. 47), is DENIED.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Ala.CONST. ART. I, § 3603 (2006) and Ala. CODE 1975 § 30-1-19 are unconstitutional because they violate they Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment."

Judge Callie V. S. Granade, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, Southern  Division, January 23, 2015.


      click here to read entire decision (not quite primary source)

Pro-Gay State of the Union Address

"And there’s one last pillar of our leadership, and that’s the example of our values.

... That’s why we defend free speech, and advocate for political prisoners, and condemn the persecution of women, or religious minorities, or people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. We do these things not only because they are the right thing to do, but because ultimately they will make us safer."...

President Barack Obama, January 20, 2015.

Orlando Mayor Celebrates Florida Same-Sex Marriage

"January 6 was a historic day for our City and our State as we became the 36th state (plus D.C.) to provide marriage equality for all. I was honored to host a wedding ceremony for 44 couples at Orlando City Hall.

The lifting of the ban on same-sex marriage in our State is advancing civil rights and equal treatment for all of Orlando’s residents and provides more than 1,200 legal and economic protections for same-sex families.

Because we have and continue to embrace diversity, Orlando is at the forefront for attracting businesses, talent and people from across the globe. I am proud that Orlando is a welcoming, multi-cultural community that people from across the country and globe want to call home.

I hope you will join me in congratulating the couples who celebrated their wedding Tuesday."

Orlando, Florida Mayor Buddy Dyer, January 6, 2015.