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.”
