Alabama court judge enforces ban on same-sex marriage
On Jan. 6, 2016, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama Roy S. Moore ordered Alabama’s probate judges to not issue marriage licences to same-sex couples. In spite of the United States Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriage in America on April 28, 2015, Chief Justice Moore issued an administrative order upholding the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.
“I am not at liberty to provide any guidance to Alabama probate judges on the effect of Obergefell on the existing orders of the Alabama Supreme Court,” wrote Chief Justice Roy in a Jan. 6, 2016 letter. “That issue remains before the entire court which continues to deliberate on the matter.”
Chief Justice Roy argued that the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling invalidated marriage bans in Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee, but not necessarily in Alabama.
House of Representatives votes to repeal affordable care act
Members of the United States House of Representatives passed legislation that seeked to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on Jan. 6, 2016. After more than 60 votes attempting to roll back or dismantle the ACA, the Republican-controlled House voted 240 to 181 in favour of repealing the ACA.
However, President Barack Obama vetoed the repeal on Jan. 8, 2016.
“Rather than re-fighting old political battles by once again voting to repeal basic protections that provide security for the middle class, members of Congress should be working together to grow the economy, strengthen middle-class families, and create new jobs,” wrote President Obama in his veto message.
In addition to repealing the Affordable Care Act, the vetoed bill would have also barred federal money from reaching Planned Parenthood—an American non-profit organization that provides reproductive health services in America.
House Speaker, and Republican congressman, Paul Ryan pledged to hold a vote to override President Obama’s veto.
“It’s no surprise that someone named Obama vetoed a bill repealing Obamacare,” said Speaker Ryan in a statement.
—Compiled by Sameer Chhabra