Well, the gay marriage debate is on fire here in Alabama. But first, let’s talk about something the Birmingham Metro won. From the website Barna.org, the Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden, and Anniston Metros were ranked as the #1 most Bible-minded city in America. Yep, people around here really knows their stuff about God’s words. The study is based on 42,855 interviews conducted nationwide and the analysis of Bible trends.
The survey was done by the American Bible Society, and determined how Bible-minded 100 cities were by asking how many respondents had read the bible in the last seven days, and how strongly they believed in its accuracy. Get this, in the Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Anniston metros, 51% of respondents were considered Bible-minded. While only 27% of respondents nationwide were Bible savvy. Here are the top 10 Bible minded cities.
- Birmingham / Anniston / Tuscaloosa, AL
- Chattanooga, TN
- Tri-Cities, TN
- Roanoke/Lynchburg, VA
- Shreveport, LA
- Springfield, MO
- Jackson, MS
- Charlotte, NC
- Greenville / Spartanburg / Anderson, SC / Asheville, NC
- Little Rock / Pine Bluff, AR
So, what does being the most Bible minded area of America have to do with the recent gay marriage ruling, a lot I am afraid. Last Friday, a federal judge in mobile ruled that the constitutional amendment outlawing gay marriage in Alabama was unconstitutional. The same judge granted a two-week stay in the ruling. And unless the 11th Circuit overturns the ruling (not likely), same-sex people in Alabama will be able to marry in early February. This is upsetting a lot of people around here because of their deep Christian beliefs.
For example, Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, who is from the Gadsden area, said the ruling was wrong. He was concerned that the recognition of same-sex marriages will lead to the recognition of marriages with multiple partners or marriages within a family. Yeah right. He also sent a three page letter to Governor Bentley outlining his concerns about allowing gay marriage in Alabama. You can read the letter by clicking here from AL.com. Basically, he said that he won’t recognize same-sex marriages in Alabama, even if the Supreme Court overturns gay marriage bans in all 50 states.
We have been down this road before Mr. Moore. You can not simply keep following the Alabama Constitution, while ignoring federal rulings saying something else. He even said in the letter that nothing in the United States Constitution grants the federal government the authority to redefine the institution of marriage. This is one guy that will go kicking and screaming when gay marriage is allowed in Alabama for good. And come on Governor Bentley, you said that you will also uphold the Alabama Constitution when it comes to the constitutional amendment to define marriage as being between man and woman. And he also said the federal government must not infringe on the rights of states. Well, these gentlemen are in for a rude awaking!
In simple terms, Alabama can not keep George Wallace out of the door. And let’s keep in mind, Judge Granade issued a second injunction prohibiting the state from enforcing the same-sex marriage ban on another case. But the stay is still in effect until February 9th. Keep in mind, judge Moore kept ignoring a federal judge ruling that forced him to remove the Ten Commandments monument from the state courthouse, and he was kicked out of office. Will ignoring a federal court ruling allowing same-sex marriages in Alabama get Roy Moore kicked out of office again, time will tell.
Even Alabama Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead said the ruling is a clear demonstration of how traditional values espoused by Alabamians have begun to erode. And the far left-wing radical agenda of Barack Obama and the Democratic Party have brought to Alabama’s front door their effort to redefine marriage. Seriously, the Democrats are trying to erode Alabama values, tell me more! And just in case you were wondering, Judge Ginny Granade was appointed by George W. Bush. I am afraid lawmakers and judges in Alabama are going fight tooth and nail against the gay marriage rulings. And when the stay is lifted, and the Supreme Court rules in favor for gay marriage in all 50 states. You will see Alabama just ignore the rulings, and it will embarrass this state once again.
Yes, I see lawmakers introducing bills in the upcoming legislative session to stop same-sex marriages in Alabama. I see probate judges refusing to grant marriage licences to same-sex couples. I see same-sex couples and homosexual people being harassed and maybe harmed by some people in Alabama. I see same-sex couples and homosexual people being refused service because of people’s “religious beliefs.” And I see politicians in Alabama keeping the status quo going claiming Christian conservative values, just like the times of segregation.
Guess what Alabama, you are going to lose! People are now realizing that allowing same-sex marriages does not mean society is falling apart. We all remember the times of segregation in Alabama, from the refusal of service, to the violence because of the color of a person’s skin. Will Alabama go to that similar past, except this time it will be people who are homosexual and gay? I hope not! I hope we won’t need to see the National Guard mobilized, just because people are afraid of change. It would remind people of the stain of Alabama’s past, and it will harm this state for decades to come! It’s time for change Alabama, love conquers all!
Cari Searcy and Kimberly McKeand, who were a part of the first case with Judge Granade, are running a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for their legal fees. To donate, go to: http://www.gofundme.com/glu56o
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