Alabama's stand against same-sex marriage crumbles

Federal judge affirms ruling striking down ban

Kim Gebauer, left, and Regina Gebauer both of Daphne, Ala., get married in a double wedding with Peggy Belcher, second from right, and her partner Louise Lynn, both of Mobile, Ala., at Government Plaza in Mobile, Ala., Thursday. The Rev. Sandy O'Steen of Cornerstone Metropolitan Community Church in Mobile, Ala., officiated - photo by Associated Press

Gay Marriage-Alabama Ledb — Kim Gebauer, left, and Regina Gebauer both of Daphne, Ala., get married in a double wedding with Peggy Belcher, second from right, and her partner Louise Lynn, both of Mobile, Ala., at Government Plaza in Mobile, Ala., Thursday. The Rev. Sandy O'Steen of Cornerstone Metropolitan Community Church in Mobile, Ala., officiated - photo by Associated Press

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Gays and lesbians could get licenses to marry in more than half of Alabama's counties Friday after a federal judge affirmed her ruling striking down the state's same-sex marriage ban. More than a dozen counties reversed course Friday and began issuing the licenses to same-sex couples in the wake Thursday's strongly worded order from U.S. District Judge Callie Granade. By mid-day Friday, at least 35 of the state's 67 counties were complying.

Associated Press

Associated Press