re: The Rainbow Flag Is Now Flying Over Alabama

Marriage isn't a constitutional right. Neither is welfare or any other government service. Equal protection is a constitutional right which means that the government cannot deny legislated benefits without a compelling government interests. Localities could theoretically eliminate benefits like marriage (see states refusing funding from the Affordable Care Act), but just like the federal government they cannot give those benefits out in an arbitrary manner - they couldn't refuse to give welfare benefits on the basis of some pre-existing condition or self-identification.

You don't have to side with marriage equality, but at least now you know what the other side is actually arguing