In Alabama, confusion over the legality of same-sex marriage prevailed as gay couples began marrying in some counties, but not others. This week a federal judge’s decision to overturn the state ban on gay marriage went into effect, but Alabama chief justice Roy Moore ordered local probate judges not to issue marriage licenses, throwing the courts into confusion. While judges in some counties began issuing licenses, most did not. Many judges have refused to issue marriage licenses altogether until the conflict is sorted out.