Marriage, recognition thereof, between persons
of the same sex prohibited.
(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the
"Alabama Marriage Protection Act."
(b) Marriage is inherently a unique relationship between
a man and a woman. As a matter of public policy, this state
has a special interest in encouraging, supporting, and protecting
the unique relationship in order to promote, among other
goals, the stability and welfare of society and its children.
A marriage contracted between individuals of the same sex
is invalid in this state.
(c) Marriage is a sacred covenant, solemnized between a
man and a woman, which, when the legal capacity and consent
of both parties is present, establishes their relationship
as husband and wife, and which is recognized by the state
as a civil contract.
(d) No marriage license shall be issued in the State of
Alabama to parties of the same sex.
(e) The State of Alabama shall not recognize as valid any
marriage of parties of the same sex that occurred or was
alleged to have occurred as a result of the law of any jurisdiction
regardless of whether a marriage license was issued.
(Alabama Code 1975 section 30-1-19)
Sanctity of Marriage Amendment
(a) This amendment shall be known and may be cited as the
Sanctity of Marriage Amendment.
(b) Marriage is inherently a unique relationship between
a man and a woman. As a matter of public policy, this state
has a special interest in encouraging, supporting, and protecting
this unique relationship in order to promote, among other
goals, the stability and welfare of society and its children.
A marriage contracted between individuals of the same sex
is invalid in this state.
(c) Marriage is a sacred covenant, solemnized between a
man and a woman, which, when the legal capacity and consent
of both parties is present, establishes their relationship
as husband and wife, and which is recognized by the state
as a civil contract.
(d) No marriage license shall be issued in the State of
Alabama to parties of the same sex.
(e) The State of Alabama shall not recognize as valid any
marriage of parties of the same sex that occurred or was
alleged to have occurred as a result of the law of any jurisdiction
regardless of whether a marriage license was issued.
(f) The State of Alabama shall not recognize as valid any
common law marriage of parties of the same sex.
(g) A union replicating marriage of or between persons
of the same sex in the State of Alabama or in any other
jurisdiction shall be considered and treated in all respects
as having no legal force or effect in this state and shall
not be recognized by this state as a marriage or other union
replicating marriage.
(Alabama Constitution, 2005-35, approved by 81.24% of voters on Tuesday, June 6, 2006)
