Federal judge permanently bars Alabama from blocking gay marriage

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — A federal judge is permanently barring Alabama from enforcing state laws to block gay marriage.

U.S. District Judge Callie Granade of Mobile issued the order Tuesday in litigation that followed the U.S. Supreme Court decision that effectively legalized same-sex weddings nationwide.

The judge writes that the order is needed because state laws against same-sex marriage remain on the books. She says the Alabama Supreme Court's willingness to issue decisions conflicting with the U.S. Supreme Court demonstrate the need for permanent action.

Granade notes that though same-sex opponent Roy Moore is currently suspended from the office of chief justice, other state justices have indicated they believe laws banning gay marriages were constitutional.

Most counties already are issuing licenses to same-sex couples, so it's unclear what impact the ruling will have.

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The Gayly - 6/8/2016 @ 5:31 p.m. CDT