Signed by the Governor: Alabama Eliminates Marriage Licenses; Foundation to Nullify Federal Control in Practice
"MONTGOMERY, Ala. (June 4, 2019) – Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has signed a bill into law abolishing marriage licenses in the state. This will effectively nullify in practice both major sides of the contentious national debate over government-sanctioned marriage.
Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Bay Minette) introduced Senate Bill 69 (SB69) on March 5. The new law abolishes all requirements to obtain a marriage license in Alabama. Instead, probate judges will simply record civil contracts of marriage between two individuals based on signed affidavits.
According to the bill summary, SB69 will “eliminate the requirement for solemnization of a marriage for it to be considered valid” and “specify that the judge of probate would have no authority to reject any recording of a marriage, so long as the affidavits, forms, and data are provided.”
On May 23, the House passed SB69 by a 67-26 vote. The Senate passed SB69 by a 26-0 vote. With Gov. Ivey’s signature, the law will go into effect 90 days after the signing date."
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