The Marriage Liberation Act of Alabama

Marriage Liberation Act of Alabama envisions marriage as a voluntary personal contract, freeing couples from license and solemnization requirements. Under this model, two consenting adults would simply execute a signed affidavit declaring their marriage, the state acting solely as record‑keeper. No judge, no official ceremony, no costly paperwork beyond the affidavit. Couples choose whether to include religious or ceremonial ritual. Minors still require parental consent; blood relations are disallowed; bigamy is prohibited. The Act emphasizes autonomy, equality, and uniformity — all unions, same‑sex or opposite‑sex, receive identical legal status. It reduces governmental gatekeeping, affirming that love, commitment, trust define marriage, not state permission. Transitioning from licensing to registration could streamline processes, protect religious freedom, and reduce barriers for marginalized couples. But critics worry over legal clarity, fraud, or loss of tradition. Ultimately, the Marriage Liberation Act would redefine marriage as mutual contract rather than state‑controlled ritual.