Eva Walton Kendrick, faith organizer with the Human Rights Campaign, celebrates the supreme court's decision to make same sex marriage legal. (Justin Yurkanin)
The U.S. Supreme Court today issued a ruling on same-sex marriage, striking down the ban on a 5-4 vote.
AL.com will provide live updates throughout the day.
3:39 p.m. Here is the AL.com editorial board's take on today's events.
3:36 p.m.
Cedric Hatcher, a street preacher and community activist commonly known as Brother Ced, came to the Jefferson County Courthouse with his sign -- saying Jesus allows U-turns -- and his Bible to decry the legalization of same-sex marriage.
"The Supreme Court needs Jesus," Hatcher chanted repeatedly. "Can't pray in schools. Can't whip your children. But you'll make a crazy law like they made today. Supreme Court needs this Bible right here."
3:30 p.m. Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis has employed a half-dozen lawyers and spent more than $200,000 to defend against gay marriage litigation, Brendan Kirby reports.
2:29 p.m. Leada Gore asks 'How would Scalia insult you?' And, she helps answer the question.
1:56 p.m. Roger Knight Madrid and his fiance, Scotty Brown, plan to wed this weekend after meeting in 2013 when Knight Madrid went to Miami to cheer on the University of Notre Dame, his alma mater, which was playing the University of Alabama for the national championship, The Chicago Tribune reports.
At a Fort Lauderdale beach bar, he remembers, "I see this guy who had an Alabama hat." They chatted about the game (which Alabama won).
"We just hit it off right away," he said.
1:42 p.m. Heather Madry Heard -- organized marriage week in Huntsville in February -- flew to Washington, D.C. early this morning and got to the U.S. Supreme Court building in time to see runners carrying the same-sex marriage opinion and deliver it to the crush of media.
"I'm standing in the middle of history," Heard said. "There are very few protesters and hundreds and hundreds of people are here all in support of gay marriage. I'm overwhelmed at the good news."
1:37 p.m. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops says it is "profoundly immoral and unjust for the government to declare that two people of the same sex can constitute a marriage."
And evangelical leaders who are part of the Southern Baptist Convention, along with other churches and Christian groups, say there can be no capitulation in defending traditional marriage because "biblical authority" requires the struggle against same-sex marriage to continue.
About 90 evangelical leaders, pastors and writers in the group issued a declaration on marriage, titled "Here We Stand." They acknowledge a "cultural shift" on the question but say evangelical churches must assert what they call the "enduring truth that marriage consists of one man and one woman."
1:27 p.m. Geneva County Probate Judge Fred Hamic also said he intends to permanently close the marriage license bureau in his office, if his attorneys don't object.
"This decision is not based on me being a homophobic, people can do whatever they want in private," Hamic said. "It is based strictly on my Christian beliefs."
1:08 p.m.
Lying in a hospital bed awaiting knee surgery in Birmingham, Joe Openshaw watched TV news reports about the Supreme Court's decision with husband Bobby Prince before his operation began Friday morning.
"I am thrilled. Almost speechless," Openshaw said in an interview with AP conducted by instant messages.
The two men wed legally in Washington, D.C., in 2013 and had a church wedding in Alabama later that year. Their nuptials resulted in a complaint against the retired United Methodist bishop who performed the ceremony since same-sex weddings aren't allowed by the denomination.
"There is still a lot of work to do, employment non-discrimination, etc.," Openshaw said.
1:03 p.m. Statement from Rick Lance, executive director, Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, and Travis Coleman, Jr., senior minister, First Baptist Church, Prattville, Ala., and president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention:
"We are deeply saddened by the United States Supreme Court ruling which changes the legal definition of marriage and, as a result, is a radical departure from the biblical definition of marriage. We believe that this action has far-reaching moral and legal implications, even beyond the stated intent of the ruling itself.
In the wake of this highly-anticipated decision, we as Alabama Baptists need to remain faithful to our calling to be the people of God, even in a culture that is becoming increasingly adverse to the biblical views of marriage and family. Our mission has not changed. Our beliefs have not changed. Our calling to be the people of God has not changed. Now more than ever, we must be the voice of authentic biblical Christianity."
12:53 p.m. Here is a collection of responses from Mobile's religious leaders.
12:52 p.m. "The Supreme Court's decision regarding same-sex marriage today is greatly disappointing, and I share a heavy heart with many of my fellow Americans. I believe with this decision the court has crowned itself the arbiter of social and cultural change, rather than just simply interpreting the law," said U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville.
Aderholt said he believes the ruling "will eventually force a showdown between citizens who support the First Amendment and those who don't." He said his main concern was that churches, religious organizations and religious educational institutions would have to "violate their core convictions" in wake of the Supreme Court's decision. Here are responses from other members of Alabama's congressional delegation.
12:50 p.m. Free2Be, a Huntsville LGBT advocacy and resource center, and the Human Rights Campaign of Alabama will host a champagne-and-cupcakes party tonight at 6 in the organization's parking lot on Poole Drive in Huntsville. Someone on site will be available to marry couples who get their marriage licenses at the Madison County Courthouse.
12:47 p.m. From John Archibald:
The time of change has come. Marriage is a right for all. It is done, no matter what loopholes your probate judge tries to find. It is time to accept it and move on.
There is no more gay marriage. There is only marriage.
12:43 p.m. Julie Goodrich, who was among the seven same-sex couples whose lawsuit led to Massachusetts becoming the first state in the nation to legalize gay marriage more than 10 years ago, is thrilled that right is now extended to Alabama, The Boston Herald reported.
"I was so worried that our friends and our neighbors in places like Mississippi and Alabama wouldn't have the same rights that we have," said Goodrich. "I was even more concerned that we wouldn't be seen as worthy of equal protection under the law simply because we're lesbian or gay. I'm beyond thrilled."
12:35 p.m. The Foundation for Moral Law said in a press release that the "the battle for traditional marriage will continue" despite the ruling.
"This means we've got more work to do, but we are determined to do it," said Foundation President Kayla Moore -- wife of Chief Justice Roy Moore. "The Foundation is involved with a same-sex marriage case in the Middle District of Alabama, and that case will continue. There are issues in this case that the Supreme Court's decision didn't resolve."
12:27 p.m. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage will finally allow the Mobile couple who sued to overturn Alabama's same-sex marriage ban to adopt their son, their attorney said on Friday.
"Today is a good day for a lot of citizens and a really good day for the whole country," said David Kennedy, who represented lesbian couple Cari Searcy and Kim McKeand.
12:21 p.m. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne issued this statement: "I have always believed that marriage should be defined as the union between one man and one woman. I believe today's decision threatens what should be exclusive state jurisdiction over matters pertaining to marriage."
12:16 p.m. A letter to Alabama's probate judges from the Association of County Commissions this morning recommends they accept marriage license applications but not issue any until Monday morning.
That should give time to figure out how to implement today's Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriages and not run afoul of other court actions, said Sonny Brasfield, executive director of the association.
12:11 p.m. The SPLC and the ACLU of Alabama will be monitoring developments after the SCOTUS marriage decision and encourage people to call 334-265-2754 if they have problems trying to obtain a marriage license.
This hotline goes straight to a voicemail- please leave your name and phone number so that a rep from the ACLU or SPLC can followup with you.
12:09 p.m. The Washington Post explains why Alabama is the least gay-friendly state in the U.S.
Noon: Jessica Dent and Carolee Taylor met 17 years ago during a drag show at a former Montgomery gay club. The couple finally plans to say, "I do."
11:58 a.m. President Barack Obama has called the lead plaintiff in the Supreme Court case on same-sex marriage to congratulate him on the court's ruling, AP reports.
James Obergefell took the call from Obama on the plaza in front of the Supreme Court. He put the call on speaker. The president told Obergefell that his case was "going to bring about a lasting change in this country" and "it's pretty rare when that happens."
Obergefell thanked Obama and told him: "This means an incredible amount to me." He hung up and mouthed, "Oh my god."
11:50 a.m. Same-sex couples gathered at the Jefferson County Courthouse this morning to celebrate their marriages, with many planning to marry today.
Ginger Aaron-Brush of Vestavia and her wife are one of the Alabama couples that had their marriage become a court case in the Northwestern District of the Supreme Court.
"Now, we feel certain that our case will be won," she said.
11:44 a.m. State Rep. Patricia Todd said she hopes Roy Moore abides by the court's decision.
"The decision was very clear and decisive," Todd told The Montgomery Advertiser. "If he decides we don't have to abide by this decision, I hope he'll be removed from the bench very quickly."
"The decision was very clear and decisive," Todd said Friday. "If he decides we don't have to abide by this decision, I hope he'll be removed from the bench very quickly."
10:50 a.m. Madison County is ready to issue licenses to same-sex couples, Brian Lawson reports.
10:41 a.m. Here are seven takeaways from Scalia's dissent.
10:39 a.m. Jefferson County's probate judge is ready to issue same-sex marriage licenses.
10:30 a.m. Pike County Judge Wes Allen says he is getting out of the marriage business:
"I am saddened that the United States Supreme Court ruled as they did but this ruling does not invalidate Alabama Code Section 30-1-9, which states 'Marriage licenses may be issued by the judges of probate of the several counties.'
The word 'may' provides probate judges with the option of whether or not to engage in the practice of issuing marriage licenses and I have chosen not to perform that function. My office discontinued issuing marriage licenses in February and I have no plans to put Pike County back into the marriage business. The policy of my office regarding marriage is no different today than it was yesterday."
10:25 a.m.
Same-sex couples are already asking to be married at Pilgrim Church in Birmingham.
"I have couples that have been together for decades, waiting for this day," said the Rev. Paul Eknes-Tucker, just named senior pastor of Pilgrim Church in Birmingham. He is ready to officiate same-sex weddings, now that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled this morning that it's legal in every state.
10:22 a.m. President Obama is speaking live about today's ruling. "When all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free...This ruling is a victory for America."
10:17 a.m. Jefferson County probate office now issuing licenses to same-sex couples.
10:15 a.m. Couples - both gay and straight - who want to get married in Colbert, Washington and Henry Counties will have to wait a little while.
The probate office closed this morning to review the Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage in Alabama and across the nation. Probate Judge Daniel Rosser would not say when the office would reopen, or whether it would ultimately issue licenses to same-sex couples.
Other probate judges opposed to same-sex marriage have also said they are reviewing the ruling and wrestling with the decision.
10:13 a.m.
"No more Jim Crow. Finally, the Supreme Court has ruled that states cannot prohibit same-sex marriage, extending the fundamental right to marry to consenting adults who wish to formalize their unions like other couples. This is a great day for equality and constitutional liberty," said Bryan Fair, Thomas E. Skinner Professor of Law at the University of Alabama School of Law.
"Obergefell constitutes a landmark decision of the first order, standing squarely with decisions like Brown v. Board of Education, Frontiero v. Richardson, and Reynolds v. Sims--cases securing equal rights for racial minorities, women, and the right to vote. It's clearly a defining moment for the attainment of formal legal equality among all citizens under the Constitution," said Ronald Krotoszynski, the John S. Stone Chairholder of Law at the University of Alabama School of Law.
10:11 a.m. When can same-sex couples get married in Alabama?
10:09 a.m. A metro Atlanta court marries gay couples after ruling strikes down Georgia's gay marriage ban, The Associated Press reports.
10:04 a.m. "Today the United States Supreme Court overturned centuries of tradition and the will of the citizens of a majority of the States in declaring that Alabama and the rest of the nation must legally recognize same-sex marriage ," Attorney General Strange said in a statement released today.
"Chief Justice Roberts agreed with our amicus brief that 'a State's decision to maintain the meaning of marriage that has persisted in every culture throughout human history can hardly be called irrational.'
"While I do not agree with the opinion of the majority of the justices in their decision, I acknowledge that the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling is now the law of the land. Short of the passage of a Constitutional Amendment protecting marriage as between one man and one woman, the U.S. Supreme Court has the final say.
"But while the states are now required to recognize same-sex marriage, I expect the focus will now turn to the exercise of one's religious liberty. I will continue to defend the religious liberties of Alabamians and ensure that people and businesses honoring their religious beliefs are protected."
10:01 a.m. Civil rights groups are celebrating today's ruling and hope Alabama begins immediately recognizing same-sex marriage.
9:58 a.m. Tori Sisson is at a loss for words upon hearing Friday morning that there's no legal ambiguity anymore surrounding her Feb. 9 marriage to the love of her life, Shante Wolfe.
Sisson and Wolfe camped overnight outside the Montgomery County Probate Office to be the first gay couple legally married.
"I am really excited," Sisson said, shortly after the Supreme Court struck down gay marriage bans. "That just makes it perfectly clear that is no legal or moral justification for standing in the path of marriage equality."
--Erin Edgemon
9:52 a.m. From Justice Antonin Scalia's dissenting opinion:
"And if intimacy is, one would think Freedom of Intimacy is abridged rather than expanded by marriage" Justice Scalia wrote. "Ask the nearest hippie."
"The stuff contained in today's opinion has to diminish this Court's reputation for clear thinking and sober analysis," Justice Scalia wrote.
9:48 a.m. Jeb Bush today released this statement:
"Guided by my faith, I believe in traditional marriage. I believe the Supreme Court should have allowed the states to make this decision. I also believe that we should love our neighbor and respect others, including those making lifetime commitments. In a country as diverse as ours, good people who have opposing views should be able to live side by side. It is now crucial that as a country we protect religious freedom and the right of conscience and also not discriminate."
9:38 a.m. State Rep. Patricia Todd, Alabama's first openly lesbian state lawmaker, gathered with a small crowd this morning outside the Jefferson County Courthouse.
Todd acknowledged some probate judges might be hesitant to issue licenses to same-sex couples.
"This is Alabama. We have to embrace, move forward. This is a historic time," Todd said.
-Ivana Hyrnkiw
9:28 a.m. U.S. News & World Report's Data Mine has some interesting numbers about same-sex marriage.
9:23 a.m. From the New York Times:
"A roar let out shortly after 10 a.m. at the foot of the court steps as the nation's highest court ruled what many here said they've always known: marriage is a right.
Many waived flags, others thrust celebratory signs skyward. In the front of the crowd, Christopher Sargent and Scott Roewer, of Washington, D.C., shared a long kiss. They were present for history, they said.
"They acknowledged what is true: that we all have a right to the same
things. This is a human right," Mr. Sargent said."
9:21 a.m. From the President:
9:20 a.m. From the dissent, from SCOTUS BLOG:
"The Chief Justice has the principal dissent, which is 31 pages long. Toward the end of it, he says, "If you are among the many Americans--of whatever sexual orientation--who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today's decision. Celebrate the achievement of a desired goal. Celebrate the opportunity for a new expression of commitment to a partner. Celebrate the availability of new benefits. But do not Celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it."
9:17 a.m. Vestavia Hills couple April and Ginger Aaron-Brush have a pending federal lawsuit in Birmingham seeking Alabama's recognition of their marriage in Massachusetts so they can have a dual adoption of their daughter. So far only April has been able to adopt.
"April and Ginger are ecstatic," said Joel Dillard, who along with Wendy Brooks Crew represent the couple, said this morning. "This is the ultimate seal of approval on April and Ginger's adoption of the daughter they have raised together since days after her birth. It will enable them to also achieve every change in Alabama law that discriminates against them and every other couple like them. Our next appearance in federal court on their behalf, next month, will be an equally joyous day for April and Ginger, and for every member of the legal team they assembled to bring this relief to thousands of Alabama couples like them.
"It is moving that the Supreme Court relied upon the fact that for some couples, before today, 'even an ordinary drive into a neighboring state to visit family or friends risks causing severe hardship in the event of a same sex spouse's hospitalization while across state lines.' No fair minded person should want to invoke that kind of mean spirited pettiness by a hospital administrator upon a loving couple's desire to be together in possibly the last moments of their lives together, yet that is exactly what has happened in states that fail to recognize same sex marriages."
-Kent Faulk
9:15 a.m. FROM SCOTUS BLOG: The opinion notes that religious institutions have a first amendment right to advocate against same sex marriage.
9:11 a.m. From the opinion:
"The history of marriage is one of both continuity and change. Changes, such as the decline of arranged marriages and the abandonment of the law of coverture, have worked deep transformations in the structure of marriage, affecting aspects of marriage once viewed as essential. These new insights have strengthened, not weakened, the institution."
9:08 a.m. Here is Brendan Kirby's article on the ruling. The ruling is embedded below:
9:01 a.m. Gay marriage has been ruled legal.
8:57 a.m. "Four boxes today, everyone. That could mean a lot of opinions, long ones, or both," SCOTUSblog reports.
8:47 a.m. June 26 is a historic date for the U.S. Supreme Court, the Constitution Daily blog reports.
"It was on June 26, 2003 that a divided Court said in Lawrence v. Texas that a Texas law making it a crime for two persons of the same sex to engage in intimate sexual conduct was unconstitutional.
And on June 26, 2013, a divided Court in United States v. Windsor said that the Defense of Marriage Act (or DOMA) was unconstitutional as a "deprivation of the equal liberty of persons that is protected by the Fifth Amendment."
8:42 a.m. The New York Times reports Americans are evenly divided in their opinions of the court's job performance and whether justices are too liberal or too conservative.
8:38 a.m. NPR explores three possible same-sex marriage outcomes and how they would affect individual states.