MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama will remain in the marriage license business.
Lawmakers couldn’t get enough votes Tuesday to pass a bill to do away with state-issued marriage licenses in the wake of legalized gay marriage.
A majority of House members supported the idea. However, the bill needed two-thirds support since it was outside the scope of the special session focused on the budget.
The bill sought to do away with state-issued marriage licenses and instead have couples file a signed marriage contract.
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The change would prevent probate judges who oppose same-sex marriage from having to sign licenses for gay couples. A few Alabama counties have shut down marriage license operations altogether rather than issue licenses to gay couples.
The bill could be reintroduced when lawmakers return for the regular session in February.
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