Kentucky clerk jailed for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licences
September 03, 2015
A county clerk in Kentucky has been jailed for contempt of court, because she refuses to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
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Kim Davis was taken into federal custody on September 3, after Judge David Bunning said that her appeal to conscience did not give her the right to violate the terms of her oath to carry out the law. "Oaths mean things," the judge said.
The ordered Davis to be held until she agrees to issue marriage licences. He said that fines would not be sufficient to uphold the law, because her defiance might have a "ripple effect," encouraging others to imitate her.
Judge Bunning was due to meet with Davis's deputies later on Thursday, to hear whether they would obey the court's order or join her in defiance.
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Posted by: unum -
Sep. 04, 2015 10:06 AM ET USA
Ms. Davis' stand against same sex marriage stands in stark contrast to the Church's silence on such "marriages". Most of our bishops and pulpits are silent on this attempt by out government to destroy the family structure that has made our nation great for over 200 years. If not us, who, and if not now, when! Clearly our country does not deserve the blessing of our God.
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Posted by: bruno -
Sep. 03, 2015 10:14 PM ET USA
If Mrs Davis were required to certify an axe to be a tree and a tree to be an axe she could in conscience refuse to do so, even if it be proved that no social ills result from assenting to the lie.
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Posted by: james-w-anderson8230 -
Sep. 03, 2015 7:44 PM ET USA
Re Don Vicente. But remember that from a moral standpoint an unjust law is not in fact a law at all.
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Posted by: Kathleenmdailey9267 -
Sep. 03, 2015 5:34 PM ET USA
She is being asked to license a civil union - not a sacrament. Her job is to provide a civil license and she should. Render unto Cesar what is Cesar's and to God what is God's
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Posted by: Don Vicente -
Sep. 03, 2015 3:16 PM ET USA
I support the Church's teaching on marriage, but I do not support Ms. Davis' position. She is not being forced to FAVOR same sex marriages, merely to certify that the 2 citizens applying for the license fulfill the requirements of civil law. She doesn't agree with the law; neither do I. She has, however, sworn to faithfully execute the laws of Kentucky. Catholic judges can grant civil divorces ; Ms.Davis has probably issued licenses for 2nd or 3rd consecutive marriages.Conscientiously resign.
