ALABAMA: Two More Counties Relent After Obergefell Rehearing Window Expires

Two renegade Alabama counties have resumed issuing marriage licenses today. Via the Dothan Eagle:

Houston County Probate Judge Patrick Davenport hasn’t issued any marriage licenses since February. Henry County Probate Judge David Money suspended issuing marriage licenses to any couples last month after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled same-sex couples had a right to marry. On Tuesday, a 25-day window during which a petition for rehearing could be filed by the parties in that case expired. “During that period the Henry County Probate Office suspended the issuance of all marriage licenses pending further legal developments,” Money said in a statement. “Henry County continues to maintain the position that we will abide by all federal and state laws related to the issuance of marriage licenses. After consultation with the Alabama Probate Judges Association, the Association of County Commissioners of Alabama as well as with attorneys for those associations, and after recognizing that all legal options have been exhausted, the Henry County Probate Office will resume the issuance of marriage licenses on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.” Davenport had similar reasoning for making his decision.

It's not clear how many Alabama counties continue to hold out. Two weeks ago the number was thirteen. (Tipped by JMG reader Grant)