Committee Approves Bill to Take Alabama Out of Marriage Biz

A state Senate committee has approved a bill to take Alabama probate judges out of the wedding license business following the U.S Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage.

The Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee on Monday approved the bill to do away with state-issued marriage licenses. Instead, spouses would file a signed marriage contract at probate offices.

Several Alabama probate judges have shut down marriage license operations rather than give licenses to same-sex couples.

Sen. Greg Albritton, the bill's sponsor, says the bill could be a solution to lingering disputes over gay marriage.

Lawmakers are in special session to deal with a budget shortfall. Bills outside the governor's call for a special session have a slimmer chance at passing because they require a two-thirds vote.