The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals denied the state of Alabama’s request to extend a stay in two federal court rulings in favor of the freedom to marry. This means that the stay will expire on February 9th and same-sex couples in Alabama will subsequently be able to marry.
A three-judge panel on the U.S. Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order denying the request of Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange to stay the decisions against the state’s marriage ban by U.S. District Judge Callie V. S. Granade.
“The Attorney General of the State of Alabama’s motions for a stay pending appeal are DENIED,” the order states.
Ben Cooper, board chair of Equality Alabama, released the following statement:
The 11th Circuit did the right thing today for all committed couples and their families in Alabama. Marriage for same-sex couples will give gay people the respect and dignity their commitments deserve, as well as tangible protections in order to build their lives together. The freedom to marry is a reflection of Alabama’s values of love and family. We look forward to seeing the first joyful weddings take place for same-sex couples throughout the state, and against this backdrop of happy celebrations, we hope the court soon hands down a final ruling that ensures that all committed couples in Alabama, have the freedom to marry the person they love.