Roy Moore will face judicial ethics charges for telling state judges not to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in defiance of a federal court order that declared the state’s ban on same-sex marriage to be unconstitutional.
After the complaints surfaced, Lt. Governor Kay Ivey Issued a statement:
“I am deeply concerned by the charges the Judicial Inquiry Commission filed against Chief Justice Roy Moore. It is my understanding Alabama is the only state suspending a Judge while a complaint is considered by the Court of the Judiciary. The rule of law and due process are concepts fundamental to our legal system. I hope the Court of the Judiciary will act quickly. In this interim, I’m thankful that Alabama has public servants like Justice Lyn Stuart to keep our courts on track during this difficult time. Currently, there are clouds hanging over all three branches of state government. As a result, the World is watching – all eyes are on the State of Alabama, for the wrong reasons. I continue to pray for our State and believe our best days are ahead of us – I believe in Alabama, its people and the rule of law,” said Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey.
Moore will now face a trial trial in the Alabama Court of the Judiciary on six charges.
Moore has been suspended pending the hearing. Moore could reach a settlement regarding the charges. If found guilty, he could face a range of penalties including being removed from the office of Chief Justice.