In a new poll conducted across Marengo County, 57 percent of county residents reported that they believe the Probate Judge should resume issue marriage licenses based on concerns about lost county revenue. In 2013, Marengo County issued 142 marriage licenses, bringing in more than $6,000 in revenue for the county. Probate Judge Laurie Shoultz Hall earns over $97,000 annually and, along with probate court employees, continues to be paid a full salary despite not performing a vital aspect of their job.
Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality on June 26, 2015, the Marengo County Probate Office has not been issuing marriage licenses to any couples, straight or gay. Marengo County Probate Judge Laurie Shoultz Hall has explained this decision on the basis of her personal opposition to marriage between same-sex couples. Marengo is one of 14 counties across the state that have ceased issuing marriage licenses. Fifty-three counties across Alabama are issuing marriage licenses to couples, gay and straight.
According to the poll, 58 percent of county residents said that the legalization of gay marriage in Alabama had a positive impact or no impact on their lives. Additionally, 69 percent of respondents report personally knowing someone who is gay or lesbian.
The full results of the poll can be found at:
http://southernequality.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Marengo-County-Poll.pdf
Public Policy Polling interviewed 359 Marengo County voters from August 28 – 31, 2015 using automated telephone interviews. The margin of error for the poll is +/- 5.1 percent.
If you live in one of these 14 Alabama counties are seeking to marry please contact our Campaign Manager, Lindsey Simerly at lindsey@southernequality.org.
