BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Radio host Rick Burgess of the nationally-syndicated Rick & Bubba Show sent a strong message to Alabama’s Probate judges on Twitter Wednesday afternoon.
If you are a probate judge in my state and you claim to follow Christ. Make a stand and refuse to sign same sex marriage licenses
— rick burgess (@bigvox) February 4, 2015
The radio host, author, and Christian evangelist has never made any secret of his faith, or his stance on same-sex marriage, and his pointed tweet is quickly spreading on social media through his devoted fan base.
Burgess has been more involved in politics over the last year than he ever has been before. He endorsed now-Congressman Gary Palmer in the primary elections last summer, saying “I am tired of holding my nose and voting. I know Gary Palmer and he won’t compromise his values. He can help us get this country back on the right track. I am very strong on how I filter candidates. I am here to endorse Gary Palmer unapologetically.”
Burgess also endorsed Republicans Arnold Mooney and Will Ainsworth, who both went on to win their State House seats in November 2014.
Yellowhammer named Mr. Burgess one of the “6 biggest winners from Alabama’s 2014 runoff elections” for his endorsements, and he remains an influential opinion leader among evangelicals around the state.
Federal Judge Callie Granade’s ruling in support of same-sex marriage is stayed until Monday, February 9th, at which time gay marriage will effectively be legal in Alabama—barring a last minute stay from the US Supreme Court.
Though the Alabama Probate Judges Association (APJA) initially said Judge Granade’s ruling did not apply to them, APJA President Greg Norris changed his tune when he received clarification from the federal judge.
As Burgess’s tweet implies, there are still many probate judges who are less than comfortable with the idea of issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Conversely, some Democrat probate judges, particularly those in Alabama’s larger cities, have announced their plans to give marriage licenses to whomever asks for them when the stay is lifted.
When questioned by another Twitter user about the probate judges’ sworn responsibility to uphold US and Alabama law, Burgess responded with another profoundly jarring Tweet.
@uncommonstand7 see the story of Daniel. Gods law overrules mans government. Would you bow to satan if it was the law ?
— rick burgess (@bigvox) February 4, 2015
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— Elizabeth BeShears (@LizEBeesh) January 21, 2015
