The gay marriage fight in Alabama continues as State Rep. Will Ainsworth (above) is calling on Marshall County Probate Judge Tim Mitchell (below) to reverse his decision and refrain from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couple this coming week reports AL.com. Ainsworth, a father of three and a former youth pastor, issued a statement last Thursday saying Mitchell shouldn’t cater to "ungodly" attacks on traditional marriage.
Said Ainsworth:
"As a Christian and former youth pastor, I cannot stand idly by while the wishes of almost 90 percent of Marshall County voters who supported the Sanctity of Marriage Amendment are being violated by liberal judges pursuing a political agenda.
"The probate judge in Marshall County, who is a Democrat, must not capitulate to the ungodly and immoral attacks on traditional marriage. If I were in his shoes, I would stand strong and hold my ground in defense of God's law, not the unconstitutional and immoral law being manufactured by liberal activists."
Ainsworth’s statement follows Judge Mitchell’s proclamation last Thursday that he plans to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples this coming week starting on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Judge Mitchell cited U.S. District Judge Callie Granade’s mandate and that he plans on following her precedent.
Said Mitchell:
"Issuance of marriage licenses is a vital function of the probate office to the citizens of Marshall County. Under the terms of Judge Granade's order, I must now also issue marriage licenses to same-same-sex couples. I respect the rule of the law and I will abide by the order of Judge Granade, unless the federal courts of the courts of the state of Alabama provide further guidance or rulings on this issue. I appreciate the patience of all Marshall County citizens during this difficult time of transition."
Since Granade’s ruling, a majority of probate judges, including Mitchell, are now following Judge Granade's precedent. Ainsworth, like Bryan Fischer and his ilk, believe judges shouldn’t force individuals to violate their religious beliefs to satisfy a vocal minority, further relying on their baseless claims that gay marriage destroys societies. Ainsworth also declared he intends on fighting the "gay agenda" to the bitter end.
Said Ainsworth:
"Every society that has allowed the marriage covenant to be destroyed has withered away and vanished. I do not believe we should hate homosexuals because every person should be treated with love and respect, but something that is immoral does not become moral simply because an activist judge decided it is legal…
"During the campaign, my signs carried the slogan 'Fight Obama,' and, make no mistake, the gay rights agenda is the bedrock of Obama's agenda. I will use the upcoming session to look for every legislative remedy and tool that can be used to protect our traditional, conservative Alabama values, and I will continue the fight even after others have surrendered."
