Judge Orders Kentucky Clerk to Jail for Refusing to Issue Same-Sex Marriage Licenses
A federal judge in Kentucky has ordered Rowan County clerk Kim Davis to jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses, including to same-sex couples.
Davis, who was found in contempt of court by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, has been the center of controversy recently for citing her religious beliefs in refusing issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples — or any couples, for that matter — after the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states.
David Moore and David Ermold, two Kentuckians who went viral in July for posting a video of Davis refusing to issue them a marriage license, have been denied a license four times. The Supreme Court on Monday denied Davis’ injunction request for an exemption to the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling. Davis, an elected official, was summoned to court on Tuesday.
#KimDavis taken from courtroom into custody by U.S. Marshals
— Hillary Thornton (@HillaryWKYT) September 3, 2015
Audible gasp in the courtroom as Kim Davis was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals.
— Victor Puente (@thevictorpuente) September 3, 2015
ACLU had asked for fines. Judge Bunning said he didn't do it lightly but said it was necessary in this case. #KimDavis
— Victor Puente (@thevictorpuente) September 3, 2015
"Our system of justice requires citizens – and significantly, elected officials – to follow the rules of the courts," Judge Bunning says.
— Bluegrass Politics (@BGPolitics) September 3, 2015
Judge Bunning said he does not lightly send Rowan Co clerk to jail. But "in this country, we live in a society of laws." ^JC
— Bluegrass Politics (@BGPolitics) September 3, 2015
WKYT has been told #KimDavis will be taken to the Carter County Detention Center.
— WKYT (@WKYT) September 3, 2015
People gathering outside Rowan Co Couthouse to celebrate. #kimdavis pic.twitter.com/5AT5A3D1wA
— Miranda Combs (@MirandaWKYT) September 3, 2015
Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee praised Davis for “standing strong for religious liberty.” Appearing on CNN after Thursday’s news broke, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul echoed the former Arkansas governor.
UPDATE — 3:30 p.m. ET: All of Davis’ deputy clerks have agreed to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, except for Davis’ son.
#KimDavis: The only deputy who has not agreed with judge is her own son, who works under her in the office.
— WOWK 13 News (@WOWK13News) September 3, 2015
UPDATE — 8:01 p.m. ET: Davis’ booking photo has been released:
[Image via screengrab]
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