KENTUCKY: Barring Action From SCOTUS, Kim Davis Must Issue Marriage Licenses By The End Of Today

Unless the US Supreme Court acts on her stay demand, Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis must begin issuing marriage licenses to all qualified couples by the end of today’s business day.

It was just last week when the federal appeals court upheld a ruling ordering the Kentucky clerk to issue marriage licenses to gay couples. Two straight couples and two gay couples have sued Davis. Now a U.S. district judge ordered Davis to issue the marriage licenses, but later delayed his order so that Davis could have time to appeal to the 6th circuit. Wednesday, the appeals court denied Davis’ request for a stay. Davis has refused to distribute both heterosexual and homosexual couples on the grounds that the Supreme Court’s ruling violates her religious freedom. The Rowan County Attorney’s Office has referred a charge of Official Misconduct against Rowan County Clerk, Kim Davis to the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office.

If Davis defies the Sixth Circuit, she faces contempt of court charges in addition to the official misconduct charge filed on Friday. Supporters of Davis held a prayer vigil outside her office this morning.