By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey (R) responded after the Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission charged Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore (R) with ethics violations
Lt. Gov. Ivey said, “I am deeply concerned by the charges the Judicial Inquiry Commission filed against Chief Justice Roy Moore. It is my understanding Alabama is the only state suspending a Judge while a complaint is considered by the Court of the Judiciary. The rule of law and due process are concepts fundamental to our legal system.”
Lt. Gov. Ivey continued, “I hope the Court of the Judiciary will act quickly. In this interim, I’m thankful that Alabama has public servants like Justice Lyn Stuart to keep our courts on track during this difficult time. Currently, there are clouds hanging over all three branches of state government. As a result, the World is watching – all eyes are on the State of Alabama, for the wrong reasons. I continue to pray for our State and believe our best days are ahead of us – I believe in Alabama, its people and the rule of law.”
Chief Justice Roy Moore asserts that the JIC has exceeded its authority: “The Judicial Inquiry Commission has no authority over the Administrative Orders of the Chief Justice of Alabama or the legal injunction of the Alabama Supreme Court prohibiting probate judges from issuing same-sex marriage licenses. The JIC has chosen to listen to people like Ambrosia Starling, a professed transvestite, and other gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals, as well as organizations which support their agenda. We intend to fight this agenda vigorously and expect to prevail.”
Chief Justice Moore said, “We intend to fight this agenda vigorously and expect to prevail.”
The Chief Justice is presently suspended with pay.
The Foundation for Moral Law’s Senior Counsel John Eidsmore said in a statement, “In reality, the charges stem from the fact that the Chief Justice holds a philosophy of constitutional law that differs from that of many of his critics. From the days of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, the relationship of the states to the federal government, and especially that of state courts to federal courts, has been sharply debated. That debate should continue. Many throughout the nation, and especially in Alabama, believe the states should have a greater voice in the federal/state relationship than is currently afforded them. That’s why the people of Alabama have twice elected Roy Moore to be their Chief Justice. It is regrettable that the advocates of federal supremacy want to silence their opponents by removing them from office, effectively nullifying the voice of the people.”
The Facebook group, Stand With Judge Moore, has shared the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of a few members of the appointed Judicial Inquiry Commission (JIC) which they claims is, “Responsible for suspending the Chief Justice because of his stand on marriage and the rule of law” including: Chairman Bily Bedsole, Judge Randall Cole, Judge David Kimberly (Etowah Co.), Rosa Davis, and Jenny Garrett. “These have aligned themselves with those who hate God, marriage, and the rule of law. They have overstepped the bounds of their authority. And, they should rescind their charges. Go ahead and let them know what you think.”
The popularly elected Chief Justice from Gallant Alabama was previously removed on JIC charges that he acted unethically when he refused to honor a demand by a federal court that he remove a Ten Commandments monument from the Alabama Supreme Court building. Years later, the people of Alabama voted to send him back to Montgomery to head the State court system.
Chief Justice Moore has been highly critical of the recent effort by judicial activists in the federal judiciary to force same sex marriage on the people of Alabama, despite it being a violation of the Alabama Constitution.
The Alabama House Judiciary Committee is considering an impeachment resolution against Governor Robert Bentley (R) over allegations that he may have used his office: to help enrich his alleged mistress (Mrs. Rebekah Caldwell Mason) and her husband Jon; to facilitate his alleged adulterous relationship; to cover up his admitted “inappropriate relationship”; and to punish those who he and Mrs. Mason perceived to be threats (which allegedly included: State employees, the Alabama Attorney General’s office, internet bloggers and even members of Bentley’s own family).
If the committee were to recommend to the full house that Bentley should be impeached, the full House could meet in emergency session as early as June. If the full House were to vote to impeach, then the Senate would hold an impeachment trial in which they could remove Gov. Bentley. Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey would then step up to be Alabama’s next governor and would finish out the remainder of Bentley’s term.
