BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- U.S. District Judge Sharon Lovelace Blackburn has decided to block Alabama's new immigration law for a month to give herself more time to rule on whether parts or all of the far-reaching laware constitutional.
It was set to go into effect Sept. 1.
The court announced the one-month preliminary injunction at 1:30 p.m. today and said the temporary stay is not based on the merits of the law. The injunction would be lifted prior to Sept. 29 if Blackburn issues her ruling in the case.
The U.S. Department of Justice, an array of civil rights groups and theleaders of Alabama's Catholic, Episcopal and United Methodist churches have all sued to block the law, which offers a host of criminal and civil penalties for illegal immigrants and those who harbor, transport, rent to, employ and enter contracts with them. At a hearing last week in Birmingham, the plaintiffs argued that Blackburn should issue an injunction blocking its implementation.
The Alabama Legislature this spring passed what officials have called the strongest immigration law in the country. Gov. Robert Bentley signed the bill into law in June and has consistently spoken in its defense.
Bentley released a statement saying he looked forward to Blackburn's ruling on the merits of the case, as did Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston.
"Judge Blackburn clearly understands the complexity of this issue and we are encouraged by her willingness to carefully examine all aspects of the case prior to ruling," Marsh said in a statement.
Updated at 2:49 p.m. to include reaction from Gov. Bentley and legislative leaders.
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