KENTUCKY: Compromise Reached On Marriage Licenses

The Kentucky GOP’s plan for a separate marriage license for gay couples has been shot down. Via McClatchyDC:

Kentucky would have a single marriage license for straight and gay couples under a compromise plan backed by Republican Gov. Matt Bevin and the Democrat-controlled House Judiciary Committee.

The proposed form would allow applicants to identify themselves as bride, groom or spouse and would not require the county clerk’s signature. That could be done by a deputy clerk.

Controversy over the state’s marriage license erupted last summer when Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis refused to issue marriage licenses after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. She spent five days in jail, citing her religious objections.

With Bevin’s blessing, the House Judiciary Committee unanimously approved a bill Wednesday calling for a single marriage license, in contrast to a proposal approved by the Republican-led Senate that called for separate forms for gay and straight couples. One form would put applicants’ names under sections titled “bride” or “groom.” Another form would allow applicants to sign under “first party” or “second party.”

The compromise has the support of Kim Davis and the Liberty Counsel – as long as clerks can still keep their name off the dirty forms for gay couples. (Tipped by JMG reader Tristram)