Kentucky clerk again refuses same-sex marriage license
Yesterday, the United States Court of Appeals ruled Kim Davis must issue marriage licenses for same-sex couples.
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling that same-sex marriage was legal in all 50 American states earlier this year, Kim Davis – clerk of Rowan County in Kentucky – refused to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
She stated “It goes against everything I hold dear, everything sacred in my life” when arguing that it was within her First Amendment rights to refuse same-sex couples their licenses.
Subsequently four couples – represented by the American Civil Liberties Union – filed a law suit against Ms Davis, who faced widespread criticism for her stance.
Even Steve Beshear – the Democratic Governor of Kentucky who had previously opposed the same-sex marriage bill – demanded all clerks conform to the Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage ruling.
Yesterday, the US Appeals court supported the lawsuit forwarded by the four couples – concluding that Davis’ office could not be justified in refusing to conform to the U.S. Constitution.
Furthermore, the court denied Ms. Davis her request for a stay pending appeal, stating that “There is this little or no likelihood that the clerk in her official capacity will prevail on appeal”.
This verdict has been viewed as demonstration of the strength with which the US government will ensure the same-sex marriage ruling is obeyed.
However, the battle may not be won just yet.
Davis’ legal representatives have were quick to claim their client may take further legal action – before her office again refused to issue a marriage licence to a same sex couple.
A deputy clerk in Davis’ office told Smith and Yates on Thursday that the office believes the court’s delay remains in effect until August 31, reports CBS.
And it it Ms Davis is no rush to concede defeat – or resign.
Speaking to thousands of supporters at a religious freedom rally recently, she said: “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 told the crowd.
