Judge Nick Williams wants to protect him and others who oppose same-sex marriage because of their religious beliefs. Photo:

Judge Nick Williams wants to protect him and others who oppose same-sex marriage because of their religious beliefs. Photo:

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A probate judge asked the Alabama Supreme Court for an order to protect him from refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

AL.com reports that Washington County Probate Judge Nick Williams filed the petition for declaratory judgment or protective order Wednesday afternoon. Williams wants to protect him and others who oppose same-sex marriage because of their religious beliefs.

Attorney Jack B. Hinton filed the petition on Williams’ behalf, saying the order was made in light of Kentucky Clerk Kimberly B. Davis being jailed for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses.

Lawmakers did not have enough votes Tuesday to pass a proposal to do away with state-issued marriage licenses. The change would prevent probate judges who oppose same-sex marriage from having to sign licenses for gay couples.

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