Judge Strikes Down Ala. Gay Marriage Ban

A federal judge ruled Thursday that Alabama’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional, but put her decision on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court issues a ruling. U.S. District Judge Callie Granade’s ruling means that gay couples have the right to marry across the state, but said probate judges would not be forced to allow same-sex marriage until the Supreme Court reaches a decision, which is expected by the end of June. Granade had ruled against the ban in January and gay couples married for three weeks before the state supreme court ordered probate judges to follow the state’s marriage law.