By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA–Three Montevallo students and a UAB student gathered outside of the Shelby County Courthouse on Tuesday, Feb. 17, to show their support for same-sex marriage and to urge Shelby County officials to begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses.

Despite frigid temperatures and chilly winds, a group of four students rallied outside of the courthouse with posters showing their support a little after noon.

The protestors held signs with phrases such as “Forget 50 Shades of Grey, how about all shades of equality.”

A Facebook event was created by Amalia Kortright, president of the secular student alliance, and around 50 students indicated they would attend the rally on the Facebook group.

The peaceful protests have been scheduled for Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Feb. 18 from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

“I feel like it sets a bad precedent when you can’t promote equal rights to all of our citizens in Shelby County,” said Kortright. “I feel like if we were to issue same-sex marriage licenses, then maybe more of the LGBT community would be more comfortable living here, and that’s just how I feel.”

Mason Shell, a UM freshman studying theatre said there are misconceptions about the same-sex community.

“It just makes me mad because we always make out LGBT people to be the devil or they’re evil, and they’re decent people,” said Shell. “They’re good people, and if they want to get married they should be able to.”

Jenny Doss, a Columbiana citizen and member of Shelby Christian Fellowship, showed up to voice her opinion that as Christians, the protesters should uphold what the Bible says.

“As young people, if there’s any time in this world to grab a hold of God’s word it is right now,” said Doss. “This country is in such dire need for love, and as Christians we are to uphold God’s word.”