Multiple south Alabama judges halt courthouse weddings

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GENEVA CO., AL (WSFA) - Geneva County Probate Judge Fred Hamic estimates he has officiated close to 1,000 wedding ceremonies at the Geneva County Courthouse, but come Monday that will be a thing of the past.

Hamic cited an increased workload as Geneva County prepares to build a new jail as well as his own moral beliefs as his reasons.

Hamic confirmed he will issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples if the stay expires on a federal judge's ruling that struck down the state's gay marriage bans.

"I have never said I would not issue license. The only thing I said is that I will not perform a ceremony. I feel like the Bible tells you that you are guilty of sin if you lead somebody to sin so therefore if I perform the ceremony, and you know, like it or not, that is my stance," Hamic said.

Hamic has already received some backlash for his decision including threats. Many residents side with Hamic on the issue others do not.

"If they have already been doing it, I don't know why they are making a change now. You can't help who you fall in love with," said Theresa Pollock, who has a child who is bisexual.

In January the probate offices in Dale, Coffee, Henry and Houston counties stopped performing wedding ceremonies. Those probate judges say this action was not in response to the court ruling, but due to several other factors.