A lawyer for gay couples across Alabama has asked a federal judge to force reluctant probate judges to comply with the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said gay and lesbian couples have a fundamental right to marry. Shannon Minter, legal director of National Center for Lesbian Rights, says that every probate judge is now required to issue marriage licenses on an "equal basis." Minter filed a motion Monday asking U.S. District Judge Ginny Granade to issue a permanent injunction directing probate judges to issue the licenses. Granade issued a preliminary injunction in May, but put the order on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled.
Three Millionth Vehicle
The president of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama paid a visit to Montgomery Tuesday to celebrate the plant's three millionth vehicle. Dozens of employees, city and county elected officials and business leaders attended the event. HMMA President Jun Ha Kim says a lot has happened since 2005. A company spokesman says the plant is capable of assembling about 400,000 vehicles per year. The facility located the city's westside is the home of the Sonata and Elantra sedans.
Volunteers for Vets
An open house is underway at the new veterans' health care center on Chantilly Parkway until 7 p.m. The event offers veterans and the community a chance to get a look at the new facility that is set to open in October. The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System is also signing up volunteers are critical. Dr. Jackson says volunteers help with giving veterans directions at the VA hospital, wheelchair support, and in-processing patients among other tasks. More information on volunteer opportunities can be found on the Department of Veterans Affairs website.