[mtrott]

@Alter

And how will the feds come in and compel Alabama authorities or preachers to conduct marriages? What if they just say no? Are they going to jail people who refuse.

It seems to me that what will eventually happen is that, in some areas, the Federal government will have to somehow come in and perform the ceremonies. But, as they are not Alabama officials, will such a wedding be legal?

[Alter Kaker]

And how will the feds come in and compel Alabama authorities or preachers to conduct marriages? What if they just say no? Are they going to jail people who refuse.

My guess is ACLU lawyers will find plaintiffs to sue each and every official refusing to perform weddings. They'll seek writs of mandamus to force them to do so. Legal fees for the officials will be extremely high and eventually they will capitulate. It's very expensive and kind of pointless to defy federal court orders. And yes, theoretically they could go to prison for contempt of court although that seems unlikely at this point.