Kim Davis Wins Same-Sex Marriage License Battle


Kim Davis, who boldly stood on her religious convictions that she, as a Christian county clerk, could not marry a same-sex couple, ultimately paid the price of jail time for her stand.

Davis’s case highlights the problem of enforcing a controversial decision by the federal government decision on the state level. Different US states have varying rules on the rights and duties of elected officials, including the accommodation of religious beliefs. While private employees can claim discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, mandating equal opportunity in employment, government officials such as Davis are often exempt from Title VII requirements, wrote Truth and Action.

Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin signed a law that would protect people like Davis.  “We now have a single form that accommodates all concerns.  Everyone benefits from this common sense legislation. There is no additional cost or work required by our county clerks. They are now able to fully follow the law without being forced to compromise their religious liberty.”

 The First Amendment guarantees Kim and every American the free exercise of religion, even when they are working for the government. County clerks should not be forced to license something that is prohibited by their religious convictions,” Mat Staver Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel the group representing Davis, said in a statement. “To provide a license is to provide approval and places a legal authority behind the signature. We celebrate this legislative victory. County clerks are now able to fully follow the law without being forced to compromise their religious liberty.”

Bevin initially wrote an “executive order allowing clerk’s to opt out because of their religious beliefs which basically allowed Davis’ new system” that of not signing the license.

But critics said the governor couldn’t simply change the rules without a law, so the law signed Wednesday codifies Davis’ decision and creates one standard marriage license for all couples that requires no clerk signature. The state legislature passed the bill Friday and sent it to Bevin for his signature.

One wonders which LGBT group will scream the loudest over this new legislation.

Source: Daily Caller

 



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