Kentucky Clerk Defies Supreme Court, Refuses Marriage Licenses To Gay Couples

Late Monday, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a ruling that Rowan County, Kentucky, clerk Kim Davis begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Davis, citing religious beliefs, had requested to be excluded from issuing such licenses.

Davis came out of office briefly to speak to couple (part 1) pic.twitter.com/lzuHysWi0T

— Hillary Thornton Smith (@HillaryUKPR) September 1, 2015

Tuesday morning, when same-sex couples again requested licenses, Davis’ staff was directed not to hand them out. Finally, after being pressed, Davis emerged from her office. When asked under whose authority she was denying the licenses, she replied, “Under God’s authority.” Zeus said that? Ganesha?

Davis out of office (part 2) pic.twitter.com/HIWQpyR6N5

— Hillary Thornton Smith (@HillaryUKPR) September 1, 2015

The Supreme Court sent down their ruling Monday on the basis that Davis is an elected official and thus cannot discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.

Davis faces substantial fines or jail time if she does not comply. Many are requesting Davis be removed from her position, but as an elected official, that proves more difficult than usual.

Davis confronts couple (part 3) pic.twitter.com/nODZoGWxdo

— Hillary Thornton Smith (@HillaryUKPR) September 1, 2015

Though the Bible does describe homosexuality as an “abomination,” which many equate to sin, it’s also commonly held that divorce is a similar form of moral, ethical sin in the eyes of God. That’s notable in Davis’ case, as the AP confirmed recently that Davis has divorced at least twice.