Anyone who has been through a basic United States history course is at least slightly familiar with first Amendment, which says the government is not allowed to make laws based on or favoring any one religion over another, or over non-religion.

The interpretation of this has had a blurred line for years, such as the recent decision that Alabama’s ban on same-gender marriage was called unconstitutional by a federal judge.

People of all orientations and genders have much to say on the subject. Malik Arafat, a senior, said he doesn’t think there should have ever been a ban on same-gender marriage. “Marriage is for people who love each other, and that includes the LGBT community, not just males and females.”

Most arguments stem from Christian opinions, saying that untraditional marriage is in disagreement with Biblical definition of marriage.

“I’m a big Christian and the Bible says it’s not right,” said senior Brett Bachelor. “Just going off the Bible isn’t my only reason though… I just don’t feel like it’s right.”

Alabama’s only openly gay legislator, Patricia Todd, had a reaction of her own- threatening to expose her coworkers’ affairs she knows about if their argument is that same-gender marriage takes away from family values.

Alabama representative Mike Hubbard was among those infuriated with the decision, saying, “It is outrageous when a single unelected and unaccountable federal judge can overturn the will of millions of Alabamians who stand in firm support of the Sanctity of Marriage Amendment.”

With 36 of the 50 states having already legalized untraditional marriage, most of which are northern states, the divide in the mindset of the nation comes into play.

Julianna Head said, “In my experience, the adults I’ve known have been extremely close-minded on the topic of different sexualities, and I think that’s a trend that spans the entirety of the South.”

While legalizing untraditional marriage would be a progressive step for the state, it would not end all discrimination.

“Society seems to view non-traditional orientations as something abnormal at best and devils at worst,” said Kalee Yem, a senior. “It’s definitely a legal issue- whether it be in a workplace or in marriage.”

If Alabama legalized same-gender marriage, there is no uncertainty that an uproar would arise within the conservative Christian state. However, many people would see it as a huge victory for a group of people who have already spent too many years being discriminated against.

For example, a couple in Decatur has been waiting 15 years to get married now and have been struggling to adopt after the court’s denial of their adoption on the basis of their orientation.

For now, all citizens wait in an odd state of limbo to know whether or not it will be legalized. The decision it set to be made on February 9^th.

“There’d be more to fight for, and just because it’d be legal, doesn’t mean everything’s going to go smoothly,” said Julianna. “One battle at a time, right?”