Rather than grant licenses to gay couples in light of the Supreme Court decision in favor of same-sex marriage, at least two county clerks in Kentucky are not issuing marriage licenses to any couples — gay or straight — for the time being.
The clerks offices of Casey County and Rowan County confirmed to TPM Tuesday that at the moment the clerks are not granting any marriage licenses. The Clinton County clerks office would only tell TPM “no comment” when repeatedly asked whether marriage licenses of any type were being issued there.
Casey County Clerk Casey Davis told The Courier-Journal that his religious convictions precluded him from granting same-sex marriage licenses to gay couples and that according to the county attorney, he could refuse licenses to anyone besides minors, who are required to have licenses in the counties where they live.
“I respect their position — the gay community’s — that that is how they want to live … but I would ask for for the same respect for my decision,” Casey Davis said.
Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis told WKYT, “It is my deep conviction and belief that God ordained marriage between a man and a woman. I can’t be a part of this.”
WKYT is reporting that dozens of demonstrators showed up to the Rowan County Courthouse Tuesday to protest Kim Davis’ decision.
Kentucky was one of the four states whose anti-gay marriage measures were at stake in the Supreme Court case, Obergefell v. Hodges. The Supreme Court decided by a 5-4 vote that marriage was a constitutional right for gay couples in a decision handed down Friday.
When asked for comment, Allison Martin, spokeswoman for Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, directed TPM to Conway’s earlier statement:
“The United States Supreme Court issued the final word on this issue on Friday. The ruling does not tell a minister or congregation what they must do, but it does make clear that the government cannot pick and choose when it comes to issuing marriage licenses and the benefits they confer. Any clerk that refuses to issue marriage licenses is opening himself or herself to potential legal liability and sanctions. Any couple or person denied a license may seek remedy in federal court, but should consult with a private attorney about their particular situation.”
So religious beliefs trump the rights of the people?
Actually you go in, find the biggest cracker who works there and FORCE them to gay-marry you.
Teabaggers have this THING about force.
Not according to the state AG who apparently isn’t giving them cover.
They should both be fired for willingly refusing to do their jobs.
“I respect their position — the gay community’s — that that is how they want to live … but I would ask for for the same respect for my decision,”
GFY and DIAF. The ONLY “decision” YOU made that is at issue here is YOUR “decision” to become a public servant, and assume ALL of the obligations that obviate your “rights” to act in a way that discriminates against others when acting in your official capacity. End of story.
Fire them, arrest them, fine them, hold them in contempt…let’s get it on!!! I wanna hear whimpering Christian nutjobs on every fucking corner crying about their fears of FEMA camps, incarceration, civil liabilities and persecution. Now.