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(Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)

A bill to eliminate marriage licenses in Alabama and instead have couples file affidavits and forms for recording by county probate judges moved closer to becoming law on Wednesday.

The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range, which would require that probate judges keep permanent, public records of marriages but would not require a license or ceremony.

Similar legislation has been introduced in Alabama since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in June 2015.

Some Alabama probate judges objected to issuing licenses to same-sex couples.

The committee approved Albritton's bill by a vote of 10-4 along party lines.

Voting yes were Republican Reps. Mike Ball, Paul Beckman, Dickie Drake, Allen Farley, David Faulkner, Matt Fridy, Jim Hill, Mike Holmes, Mike Jones and Phillip Pettus. Voting no were Democrats Merika Coleman, Chris England, Juandalynn Givan and Thad McClammy.

The bill moves to the House. If the House passes it, it would have to return to the Senate because the committee amended it.