Kim Davis, KY Clerk, Still Refusing To Issue Marriage Licenses To Same-Sex Couples

Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who has consistently denied issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples despite being told by a judge that she must do so, is still refusing on the grounds of religious...
Kim Davis, KY Clerk, Still Refusing To Issue Marriage Licenses To Same-Sex Couples
Written by Amanda Crum
  • Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who has consistently denied issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples despite being told by a judge that she must do so, is still refusing on the grounds of religious freedom.

    Davis, who works in Rowan County, says that her faith is firmly against same-sex marriage and has refused to issue licenses since the Supreme Court ruling in June that made it legal in every state. However, she was told by a judge earlier this month that she must continue to do her job despite her personal beliefs and was given until August 31 or until the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling about the case, whichever came first. The ruling came on Wednesday, but on Thursday Davis refused William Smith Jr. and James Yates a marriage license on their third attempt.

    Kim Davis has said that signing her name to a legal document is the same as condoning same-sex marriage, and that her refusal to do so is covered under the First Amendment and Kentucky’s Religious Freedom law. However, according to the ACLU, Davis must continue to do her job.

    “This case is simple. Religious liberty certainly does not allow public officials to deny government services to the public based on their personal beliefs. All that Davis is required to do in her official capacity as clerk is issue a form. In no way is she being forced to endorse anyone’s marriage or beliefs,” said William Sharp.

    The story has continued to draw national attention, and the media has stormed Davis’ Rowan County office along with protesters over the past several weeks. Kim Davis said at a recent rally that she would continue to stand strong with her faith, but that she needed support to do so.

    “I need your prayers … to continue to stand firm in what we believe. Regardless of what any man puts on a piece of paper, the law of nature is not going to change,” Davis said.

    Kim Davis reportedly will continue to deny issuing licenses to same-sex couples until August 31 despite the ruling.

    Get the WebProNews newsletter delivered to your inbox

    Get the free daily newsletter read by decision makers

    Subscribe
    Advertise with Us

    Ready to get started?

    Get our media kit