So is Alabama settled now with marriage, or what? Well, that kinda depends how you look at it.
Last week was probably the single messiest implementation of marriage equality the country’s ever seen. In other states, the first few days of marriage were all smiles and celebrations, but Alabama was all lawsuits and homophobia.
It was 50 years ago this week that Alabama police beat civil rights marchers. In a way, last week’s marriage equality dustup was fitting for the state that violently resisted the civil rights movement back in the ’60s. Of course, being denied a marriage license isn’t quite as bad as being hit with a firehose, tear gassed, and shot, but clearly the south still hasn’t quite come to terms with “all men are created equal.”
The good news is that most of the state seems to have learned its lesson from history, and even if they don’t like the ideas of gays marrying, they understand that it’s probably best to just let it happen. Only a few officials, like Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, are still trying to relive the worst days of resisting equal rights. But he’s a relic, and his stand won’t last long. Nor will his career.
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Giancarlo85
Talk about dragging them into the 21st century kicking and screaming. Roy Moore is like George Wallace all over again. The clown doesn’t know anything about the branches of government, the constitution or the supremacy clause.
Article VI, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution is commonly referred to as the Supremacy Clause. It establishes that the federal constitution, and federal law generally, take precedence over state laws, and even state constitutions.
— Duh. FEDERAL CONSTITUTION > STATE CONSTITUTION
jwtraveler
While I can’t quite equate the Civil Rights movement of the ’50s and ’60s with gay marriage, it is impressive that Alabama is so determined to be on the wrong side of history once again. Apparently they haven’t learned a thing since 1861.
hyhybt
“Last week was probably the single messiest implementation of marriage equality the country’s ever seen.”—Even messier than Missouri and Kansas, which got more or less to the point Alabama reached last Monday and then either just froze there for no apparent reason or else dropped off of everybody’s interest list?
Ladbrook
I spent 6 months in Alabama when a former company placed me there for extended training back in 90’s. It was a nightmare.
For starters, because I was from NC my coworkers had dubbed me a “Yankee.” (Where but in AL does a guy from NC get labeled a “Yankee?”) Three weeks before I left, a neighbor filled my mailbox with women’s cosmetics, and when I called the local police to report it, I woke up the next day with the word “faggot” written on the front door in red lipstick. And this was in the mid 90’s.
I really don’t envy the LGBT community in AL. But I do pray for their safety.
Giancarlo85
@Ladbrook: You’d hope things would have got better… even in Alabama since you were there.
I hear that poll numbers are improving in Alabama in favor of same sex marriage… yes ever so slightly. Urban centers are leading the improvement. 2/3rd’s of the state is against it. Better than the 75-80% that were against same sex marriage in 2003/4. I’m not equating same sex marriage to a better environment for the LGBT community… but they are at least gaining a little bit more support in Alabama. Long way to go though.
But don’t get me wrong, Alabama is deeply conservative… much like Louisiana. Louisiana at least has what you call a “blue dot”. That “blue dot” would be New Orleans (which is majority democrat and more open). Not sure if a city like Birmingham is becoming more accepting. I believe their mayor is pro-choice, pro-health care (republicans are anti-health care obviously lol).
DarkZephyr
@jwtraveler: But if they resisted the advancement of the civil rights of a minority group back then and they are now resisting the advancement of the civil rights of a sexual minority group today, it is at least somewhat comparable, don’t you think? Making general comparisons isn’t the same as devaluing past civil rights movements or saying our struggles are harder, etc. Don’t you agree?
I am Gay (just like you), Black, HIV-Positive, and Back Bitches!!!
Marriage News Watch???
@DarkZephyr: Why don’t you shut the fuck up? You’re such a gay rascist! Which ironically is proof that jwtraveler is right!
I am Gay (just like you), Black, HIV-Positive, and Back Bitches!!!
@Ladbrook: Extended training? Don’t you mean Sensitivity Training? Mmm hmm! And tell us how many incendiary remarks did you have to make first to provoke that response! I wouldn’t put anything past you guys, and apparently the greater world is getting hip to your lethargy!
Word to the wise: Next time don’t show up to work at the courthouse dressed in women’s clothing!
Giancarlo85
@I am Gay (just like you), Black, HIV-Positive, and Back Bitches!!!: Your attitude is disgusting. It doesn’t surprise me no one really responds to any of the inflammatory rhetoric you post.
I am Gay (just like you), Black, HIV-Positive, and Back Bitches!!!
@Giancarlo85: Said Miss Popular? Bitch, stay in your lane, because obviously me, and no one else here on this page is anywhere near a fan of your two-faced, rhetoric, bullshit either!
Giancarlo85
@I am Gay (just like you), Black, HIV-Positive, and Back Bitches!!!: Two faced rhetoric? You don’t even know what you’re talking about! You’re a freaking clown. Nobody takes you seriously on here. You need to stop acting as if you know everything… apparently you don’t use your brain. Obvious in most of your silly posts.
BOB K
IT’S ALABAMA — ALL THEY UNDERSTAND IS “WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO DO”
Also, Judge Roy Moore is speaking in Texas and to the media — he HAPPENS to have a new book to sell, you know
hyhybt
@BOB K: Isn’t giving political speeches one of those things judges aren’t allowed to do?