Alabama Sanctity of Marriage Amendment

The Alabama Sanctity of Marriage Amendment of 2006, also known as Amendment 774, is a so-called "defense of marriage amendment" that amended the Alabama Constitution to make it unconstitutional for the state to recognize or perform same-sex marriages or civil unions. The referendum was approved by 81% of the voters.

The text of the amendment states:
 * (a) This amendment shall be known and may be cited as the Sanctity of Marriage Amendment.


 * (b) Marriage is inherently a unique relationship between a man and a woman. As a matter of public policy, this state has a special interest in encouraging, supporting, and protecting this unique relationship in order to promote, among other goals, the stability and welfare of society and its children. A marriage contracted between individuals of the same sex is invalid in this state.


 * (c) Marriage is a sacred covenant, solemnized between a man and a woman, which, when the legal capacity and consent of both parties is present, establishes their relationship as husband and wife, and which is recognized by the state as a civil contract.


 * (d) No marriage license shall be issued in the State of Alabama to parties of the same sex.


 * (e) The State of Alabama shall not recognize as valid any marriage of parties of the same sex that occurred or was alleged to have occurred as a result of the law of any jurisdiction regardless of whether a marriage license was issued.


 * (f) The State of Alabama shall not recognize as valid any common law marriage of parties of the same sex.


 * (g) A union replicating marriage of or between persons of the same sex in the State of Alabama or in any other jurisdiction shall be considered and treated in all respects as having no legal force or effect in this state and shall not be recognized by this state as a marriage or other union replicating marriage.