It’s Official: U.S. Supreme Court denies stay of marriage ruling in Alabama!

Today, the United States Supreme Court denied the state of Alabama's request to extend a stay in a federal judge's ruling in favor of the freedom to marry, meaning that same-sex couples in Alabama will not be delayed in marrying in the state today, February 9.

Attorney General Strange previously asked for a stay in this case from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. This request was also denied.

Equality Alabama Board Chairman Ben Cooper said today:

We are thrilled that the United States Supreme Court has denied the state’s request to delay marriages between same-sex couples in Alabama. Loving, committed couples in Alabama will finally see a long-awaited end to the harms and indignity of marriage discrimination. Now it’s time to break out the wedding bells and join in the happiness of the first celebrations. We look forward to today being a historic, special day in our state. Alabama is ready for the freedom to marry.

The request came after United States Circuit Court Judge Callie V. Granade ruled in favor of the freedom to marry in two cases, Searcy v. Strange and Strawser v. Strange, on January 23 and January 27, respectively. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange immediately requested a stay in Searcy v. Strange, which Judge Granade issued for 14 days. Searcy v. Strange was filed by private counsel on behalf of Cari Searcy and Kim McKead, who are married and strunggling to legally adopt their son. Strawser v. Strange was filed by James Strawser and John Humphrey, who are unmarried and wish to marry in Alabama.

Today, we'll be keeping you updated on all of the excitement in Alabama with our LIVE BLOG