Target: J. Michael Joiner, Chief Judge of the Alabama Court of the Judiciary
Goal: Commend decision to suspend judge from the bench for violating federal same-sex marriage laws.
Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore was charged with six violations of the canons of judicial ethics for telling probate judges not to issue marriage licenses for same-sex couples, in defiance of federal law. Thanks in part to petitions like this one he was found guilty on all six charges, and immediately suspended from the bench without pay for the rest of his term. This is effectively the same as a permanent removal, since Moore’s age prevents him from running again.
By ordering his probate judges to withhold marriage licenses for same sex couples, Moore was not only exhibiting blatant discrimination, but was also very clearly disobeying the U.S. Supreme Court ruling making gay marriage legal nationwide. He put his own personal religious beliefs above his sworn duty to serve this country by upholding its laws, undermining all that our judicial system stands for.
In fact, this is Moore’s second suspension for defying federal court orders in favor of his own personal beliefs. In 2003 he was suspended for refusing to remove the 10 Commandments from the courts building. A man who prioritizes his own opinions ahead of upholding justice has no place as a Supreme Court Chief Justice. Sign below to thank the Court of the Judiciary for removing Moore from the bench.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Chief Judge Joiner,
The decision to suspend Chief Justice Roy Moore from the bench was a service to Alabama, and to this country. A man who puts his personal beliefs first, disregarding justice and federal law, does not belong in the Supreme Court. Thank you for upholding the integrity of the judicial system and holding Justice Moore accountable for his actions.
When Justice Moore told his probate judges to withhold marriage licenses to same-sex couples, he showed a blatant discrimination that the Supreme Court had ruled unlawful. He defied the federal ruling that same-sex marriage be legal nationwide in favor of his own personal biases. He showed the same disregard of federal law in 2003, when he was suspended for refusing to remove the 10 Commandments from court buildings. Moore has disgraced his office, and the people that he represents deserve better. We applaud you for ensuring justice for citizens of Alabama.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Ted Eytan
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