Year after SCOTUS ruling, advocates lobby locals via FB

More than a year after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage in the country was constitutional, no one in Covington County can get a marriage license – at least not in this county.

Probate Judge Stacy Brooks, who took office in April, said Friday that the Covington County Probate office marriage license division remains closed.

“At this time, we are unable to say when we will resume the issuance of marriage licenses,” she said.

In June 2015, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of same-sex marriage.

Last year, Chief Justice Roy Moore, who is currently suspended from office, issued an order instructing probate judges throughout the state to ignore the Supreme Court ruling making same-sex marriage legal.

“Currently, there are several conflicting laws, ruling and court orders that probate judges are subject to,” she said. “We are waiting for clarification of those before we make a final decision on how we will operate in the future. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Same-sex marriage supporters aren’t having that, though. Since the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling, they have posted a series of messages on the Covington County Probate Office Facebook account.

“If you can’t serve the public, then you shouldn’t be a public servant, “ said Neil Trenholm. “Stop discriminating and reopen the marriage license office.”

Kira Yancey posted, “I am one of the lucky few young people who got the opportunity to leave Covington County. I love Opp, and it will always seem like home to me, but the blatant discrimination I see happening in this office makes me ashamed to say I’m from there. If you can’t serve the public, then you shouldn’t be a public servant.”

Ava Williamson commented, “Do. Your. Job. Period. If you won’t then find someone who will.”

Teresa Tolbert, who had posted previously that the office should issue marriage licenses said, “You guys can delete every post we make, but in the end, even Covington County, Ala., will follow a ruling from SCOTUS – one way or the other.”