County Clerk Refuses Marriage Licenses
In the days since five members of the Supreme Court endorsed redefining marriage, essentially creating a constitutional “right” to same-sex marriage out of thin air, the question has been what rights trump other rights when the inevitable conflict happens. Actually, it’s not so much a question as it is seeing where Christians are assaulted next. It isn’t just bakers, florists and photographers, but, among others, churches, religious schools and county clerks. In Kentucky, the question of religious liberty and marriage is back in court after Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis refused to comply with the SCOTUS ruling. In fact, Davis wouldn’t issue any marriage licenses. “It’s a deep-rooted conviction,” Davis said. “My conscience won’t allow me to do that. It goes against everything I hold dear — everything sacred in my life.” U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning heard arguments Monday. Several county clerks around the nation have resigned rather than violate their own beliefs, and others are pondering what moves to make. The root of the problem is that the “right” to same-sex marriage requires endorsement, whether or not it’s against conscience.