Just when we thought things couldn’t get any more farcical in the ongoing fight for marriage equality in Alabama, a judge there has granted two lesbians a divorce, even though the state doesn’t currently recognize same-sex marriage, despite the U.S. Supreme Court saying it must.
Shrie Michelle Richmond and Kirsten Allysse Richmond were married in Iowa in November 2012. They originally filed for divorce in their home state of Alabama in February 2014, but were denied because the state didn’t recognize gay marriage at the time. One year later, they tried again, on the same day same-sex marriage went into effect in the state thanks to a ruling made by U.S. district judge Callie Granade back in January.
Naturally, some folks were upset over Granade’s ruling. When the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to intervene, Alabama’s chief justice Ray Moore decided to take matters into his own hands by illegally ordering state judges to refuse to marry any same-sex couples, throwing the whole state into absolute chaos. Some judges followed Moore’s orders. Others didn’t. A minister was arrested for officiating a same-sex wedding. Even the KKK got involved by releasing a statement saying gay marriage would turn the country into “a third world cesspool.”
That’s when the state’s Supreme Court stepped in. Last week, it created even more chaos when the justices demanded that all same-sex marriage be halted, even though this is in direct violation of what the U.S. Supreme Court says.
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Thankfully, not everyone in Alabama is stubborn, insane, and completely homophobic. Because earlier this week, Madison County circuit judge Karen Hall happily granted the divorce between Shrie Michelle Richmond and Kirsten Allysse Richmond without question and without making any public statements about her decision. Because she’s classy like that.
The issue of marriage equality will once again be taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court in April and will (hopefully!) put an end to all this madness.
Related stories:
Alabama Goes Rogue On Marriage
Alabama Supreme Court Orders Halt On Same-Sex Marriages Statewide
The KKK Is, Wait For It, Very Unhappy About Gay Marriage In Alabama
Giancarlo85
The states backward Supreme court needs to be held in contempt for defiance of a federal ruling. Alabama is on the wrong side of history again, but do we expect from a bunch of Republican lunatics? Roy Moore will probably try to run for president now… Ugh.
Maharajah
@Giancarlo85: …and one would swear that it was a profitable endeavor, because they sure seem to be sticking to it. I mean, how many times can one state be wrong? Interestingly enough, this creates a lack of liberals (those that are born there move out, and I can’t blame them) and a vacuum thus perpetuating a cycle. High poverty level, low high school graduation rates, high teen pregnancy rates, lessening access to safe parenthood planning services, high obesity rates – all more apropos topics to tackle. Gay marriage, priority number one! Hurrah for Conservative values.
Giancarlo85
@Maharajah: Alabama has a long history of doing this. However, even their current governor has said they should respect federal rulings, while their Supreme Court. They’ve already embarrassed themselves enough. Alabama, without federal funding, would be extremely impoverished. States like Alabama are more concerned about abortion and gay marriage. They won’t address their toxic ground water issues, high unemployment, low quality of jobs, etc.
jwtraveler
I like this approach. I’m going to start a campaign for divorce equality.