Kentucky clerk who refuses to issue same-sex marriage licenses found in contempt, arrested

ASHLAND, Kentucky - A county clerk in Kentucky who refuses to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples on religious grounds was found in contempt of court by a U.S. federal judge on Thursday and taken into custody.

 

Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis was led away by U.S. marshals.

 

"The court doesn't do this lightly," District Court Judge David Bunning said in ordering she be taken into custody.

 

Davis has refused to issue licenses to any couples, gay or straight, since the U.S. Supreme Court in June ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry under the U.S. Constitution, citing her religious beliefs.

 

Before the hearing, about 200 demonstrators on both sides gathered outside the courthouse, some chanting slogans and many holding signs.

"There's a rule of law and the principle of the rule of law is central to our democracy. And it's appropriate in this instance for a federal judge to determine the best way to enforce the law."  — Reuters