May 21, 2013
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- A federal judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by two couples that challenges a Montgomery County policy that they say denies marriage licenses to some immigrants.
U.S. District Judge W. Keith Watkins ruled Thursday that the two couples have suffered injury and can continue with the lawsuit against a policy which bars them from obtaining marriage licenses in Montgomery County.
The couples maintain the county's probate judge unfairly denies marriage licenses to immigrants unless certain documents can be produced. The required paperwork includes such things as a green card or Social Security card.
The ruling by Watkins means the case can proceed to trial.
In the ruling, Watkins said the inability to secure a marriage license has the effect of denying a couple a wedding ceremony.
