Kentucky Clerk Sued For Not Issuing Gay-Marriage Licenses

Some Kentucky clerks who at first resisted issuing same-sex marriage licenses changed course this week and agreed to sign them.

That only widens the gap between the administration and the reality on the ground across the state.

The ruling by a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit appeared to address the administration’s stalling. We will make them as carefully and consistently as we can.

Leaders in Texas have given officials the authority to refuse licenses to same-sex couples if it is contrary to their religious beliefs. “So as of right now, and I mean it just happened, if somebody walked in right now we could definitely issue a marriage license”.

They also risk criminal official misconduct charges, said Warren County Attorney Ann Milliken, president of the Kentucky County Attorneys Association.

“Our agencies will follow the Louisiana Constitution until the (U.S.) district court orders us otherwise”, Jindal spokesman Mike Reed said.

Minter said probate judges might be within their rights to do that, but didn’t think it was practical option to keep marriage license operations closed down for everyone.

Meanwhile, in Tennessee, all three staff members in the Decatur County clerk’s office turned in their resignations this week rather than comply with the marriage equality ruling. The applicant who had vowed to sue said Wednesday the suit is on hold because licenses will now be available.

“It’s unfortunate because it will disadvantage opposite-sex couples and same-sex couples alike”, Sanders said. This came the same month the US Supreme Court legalized gay marriage nationwide. “No one is compelled to accept the responsibilities of being a public servant, but once a private citizen voluntarily undertakes that role, he can not pick and choose which duties to perform”, the letter said.

Davis has not issued any marriage licenses since then despite dozens of protesters outside her office in Morehead, Ky.

“It seemed kind of too good to be true”, said one half of the couple.

Democrat Kim Davis, a Rowan County, Kentucky clerk, is one of several clerks who have decided they will no longer issue any licenses to avoid issuing them to gays and lesbians because of their Christian beliefs. “As a matter of fact I said I would do this job to the best of my ability, so help me God, and the best of my ability does not go beyond what my conscience will allow me to do”.

Edmonson said OMV aims to protect the integrity of the driver’s license. There is a 72-hour waiting period after getting a license before people can get married.