Kentucky clerk jailed for denying same-sex marriage

[Dr Frook]

See article below - this person thought it was her duty to not obey the law. Can't believe people are still like this. Glad she was sent to jail.

A county clerk in Kentucky who refuses to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples on religious grounds has been held in contempt by a US federal judge and sent to jail.

Rowan county clerk Kim Davis, 49, was led away by US marshals who confirmed she was under arrest.

"The court doesn't do this lightly," district court judge David Bunning said in ordering that she be taken into custody.

Mr Bunning said his earlier injunction ordering Davis to issue marriage licenses applied to everyone and not just the four couples whose suit in July had accused Davis of not doing her job.

Davis has refused to issue licenses to any couples, gay or straight, since the US Supreme Court in June ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry under the US Constitution, citing her beliefs as an Apostolic Christian.

Apostolic Christian beliefs are rooted in a literal interpretation of the Bible.

Before and during the hearing, about 200 demonstrators on both sides of the issue gathered outside the courthouse, some chanting slogans and many holding signs like "God is great" and "Do your job".

As word of the ruling emerged, supporters of same-sex marriage erupted in cheers.

The hearing in Ashland, Kentucky, lasted just over two hours.

Crying at times, the soft-spoken Davis maintained that a marriage could only be between a man and a woman and she was unable to recognise same-sex marriages.

"Marriage is a union between one man and one woman," she said under questioning by her attorney.

Davis thanked the judge before walking toward the marshals.

"I've weighed the cost and I'm prepared to go to jail," Davis told local media.

"This has never been a gay or lesbian issue for me. This is about upholding the word of God."

[mmm]

The judge even said that she would be released immediately if she started issuing licenses. People are comparing this lady to MLK and talking about how Christians are being religiously persecuted; give me a break. If you can't do your job, quit.

[Flobalob]

The judge even said that she would be released immediately if she started issuing licenses. People are comparing this lady to MLK and talking about how Christians are being religiously persecuted; give me a break. If you can't do your job, quit.

+a sideways 8

[Excalibur]

lol I'm surprised Texas isnt throwing a bigger fit.

[Flobalob]

A Kentucky clerk who was jailed for refusing to issue marriage licences to gay couples has said she will not block the process but her name will not appear on the paperwork.

However, Kim Davis questioned on Monday whether licences without her signature would be valid.

Ms Davis, an elected official, has said that her Christian faith should exempt her from signing the licences.

The US Supreme Court declared gay marriage legal in June.

"I don't want to have this conflict. I don't want to be in the spotlight. And I certainly don't want to be a whipping post," Ms Davis said. "I am no hero. I'm just a person that's been transformed by the grace of God, who wants to work, be with my family. I just want to serve my neighbours quietly without violating my conscience."

Shortly after Ms Davis addressed reporters, a deputy clerk issued a marriage licence to a lesbian couple without incident.

Despite Ms Davis' claims, several Kentucky officials including the governor said the recently issued licences are valid.

Two federal courts and the US Supreme Court have ruled against Ms Davis after she repeatedly refused to issue marriage licences since June.

Ms Davis, a Democrat who serves Rowan County, a rural area in eastern Kentucky, was found in contempt of court on 3 September and jailed.

The following day, several of her deputies began issuing marriage licences to couples.

Federal judge David Bunning released Ms Davis from jail on 8 September so long as she did not interfere with her deputies.

Ms Davis' cause has been championed by several Republican candidates for president.

After she was released, Ms Davis was greeted by thousands of cheering supporters who gathered outside the Carter County Detention Center.

Ms Davis has become a heroine among conservative Christians who view marriage as only between a man and a woman.

Her case has also become an issue in the Republican presidential campaign with several candidates - including former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Texas Senator Ted Cruz - championing her cause.

Because Ms Davis is an elected official, she cannot be fired. She could be impeached by the Kentucky legislature, but the body is not in session.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-34247029

[Dr Frook]

the clerk should move to another country where same sex marriage is not allowed. That way she can comply with her beliefs and not bother anyone who happens to not believe the same thing.

[Flobalob]

the clerk should move to another country where same sex marriage is not allowed. That way she can comply with her beliefs and not bother anyone who happens to not believe the same thing.

Well at least she gave in. Whether she believes in it or not, at least she's doing it now.

[Shadowstar1922]

this is an attack on Christianity

the obama administration is persecuting and discriminating Christians and it repulses me

[mmm]

this is an attack on Christianity

the obama administration is persecuting and discriminating Christians and it repulses me

....hacked? xD

[Connor]

this is an attack on Christianity

the obama administration is persecuting and discriminating Christians and it repulses me

If the Obama administration was "persecuting" Christians, the Pope of the Catholic Church would not have visited the United States. Also, the Supreme Court of the United States said that same sex marriage is legal.
And final point, Obama is a Christian.