Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis Jailed for Refusing to Issue Gay Marriage Licenses

Rowan County Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis has been ordered to jail for once again refusing to issue gay marriage licenses.   U.S. Judge District Judge David Bunning cited contempt of court, as Davis refused a court order to begin the issuance of marriage licenses to gay couples, which she feels is contrary to her Christian faith.

According to the judge, Davis “would be jailed until she complied with his order to issue the licenses.” 

“The court cannot condone the willful disobedience of its lawfully issued order.  If you give people the opportunity to choose which orders they follow, that’s what potentially causes problems.”

In court Davis said, “I would have to either make a decision to stand or I would have to buckle down and leave. And if I left, resigned or chose to retire, I would have no voice for God’s word.”

She added, “I’m very steadfast in what I believe. I don’t leave my conscience and my Christian soul out in my vehicle and come in here and pretend to be something I’m not. It’s easy to talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?”

Davis has had an outpouring of support from political figures.  Presidential candidate and former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee said, “What a world, where Hillary Clinton isn’t in jail but Kim Davis is. I am proud of Kim for standing strong for her beliefs.  Who will be next? Pastors? Photographers? Caterers? Florists?”

Presidential Candidates Ted Cruz and Lindsay Graham have also expressed their support as well as numerous conservative journalists and commentators. 

White House spokesman Josh Earnest expressed the opposite sentiments (and some say hypocritical) on behalf of President Obama.  “I will just say on principle that the success of our democracy depends on the rule of law and there is no public official that is above the rule of law. Certainly not the President of the United States. But neither is the Rowan county clerk. That’s a principle that is enshrined in our Constitution and in our democracy.”

Author’s notes:  Davis has successfully made this a national issue.  She could have quietly protested by resigning but she chose to make a public stand and, with support, has elevated this to the presidential primary stage.  We previously reported that Davis’ attorney is seeking to take this case to the Supreme Court. I’m not sure she will get that far, but I suspect this case will continue through the election season.