Kim Davis, Kentucky County Clerk, Jailed After Refusing To Issue Marriage License To Gay Couple

Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis was found in contempt of court and subsequently jailed after refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples despite the Supreme Court’s decision on marriage equality.

Kim Davis Held In Contempt And Jailed

U.S. District Judge David Bunning ruled that Davis would be jailed until she decides to start issuing marriage licenses to all couples who wish to be married. She had reasoned that by not issuing licenses to either heterosexual or homosexual couples, she was not practicing discrimination and had found a loophole. Bunning was unconvinced.

Bunning also opted against fining Davis, believing that the impact would be minimal since her supporters would raise the money, according to Bluegrass Politics. The judge also shared that as a Catholic he understands Davis’s religious beliefs, but that as a public official, she must respect the laws of the land.

Judge said fine for Kim Davis would not work b/c others apparently raising money to pay fines for her. ^JC

— Bluegrass Politics (@BGPolitics) September 3, 2015

Judge Bunning told Kim Davis he has his own religious beliefs as Catholic, but public officials must respect the law. ^JC — Bluegrass Politics (@BGPolitics) September 3, 2015

“Everyone is stunned at this development,” said Matt Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel. “Kim Davis is being treated as a criminal because she cannot violate her conscience. While she may be behind bars for now, Kim Davis is a free woman. Her conscience remains unshackled.”

While Staver and a number of demonstrators were outraged at Bunning’s decision, there were also a number of protestors who supported Davis being held in contempt.

She will remain imprisoned until she agrees to issue marriage licenses to gay and straight couples alike.