With gay marriage on hold, Alabama judge OKs lesbian divorce

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Same-sex marriage is on hold in Alabama, but a judge has allowed a lesbian divorce.

A judge in Huntsville let two women to legally end their marriage, a year after refusing their request. The judge granted the divorce Thursday.

The divorce was sought by Shrie Michelle Richmond and Kirsten Allysse Richmond, who wed three years ago in Dubuque, Iowa.

The women sought the divorce on Feb. 9, the day a federal judge's decision striking down Alabama's gay-marriage ban took effect.

A year ago, the judge ruled the couple couldn't divorce under Alabama law. He didn't explain why he reversed his decision.

Gay marriages began last month in Alabama but are now on hold because of a ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court.