Kim Davis, the defiant Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples due to her religious beliefs, was found in contempt of court this Thursday and taken into federal custody.
U.S. District Court Judge David Bunning ordered Davis to be jailed on the contempt charges until she agrees to perform her duties as required by law.
Saying that Davis could not be trusted to follow the law, the judge ordered her to be held indefinitely.
From the New Civil Rights Movement:
Attorneys for Davis argued she is protected by the First Amendment from issuing licenses to same-sex couples, because doing so would “irreparably” harm her conscience. They also claimed Davis should not be held in contempt because
Davis has turned away countless same-sex and different-sex couples, including the four couples who brought a lawsuit against her back in July. Last month, Judge Bunning ruled on that case, ordering Davis to begin issuing marriage licenses. Her attorneys from the anti-gay hate group Liberty Counsel have filed several appeals and emergency motions, but have been denied at every turn. Even the 6th Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court have handed down decisions indicating a lack of support for Davis’ claim that the First Amendment protects her.
Protesters & #KimDavis supporters in front of Ashland courthouse where her contempt hearing is underway #DoYourJob pic.twitter.com/DdIW028Vyu
— ACLU of Kentucky (@ACLUofKY) September 3, 2015
According to reports, there was a heavy police presence inside and outside the courthouse – including officers from the Department of Homeland Security.
Hundreds of supporters chanted “God is great!” nonstop in the 90-degree heat. According to NCRM, many people hoisted anti-gay signs labeling LGBT rights supporters as “homo terrorists” and “rapists.” Some were heard using bullhorns to yell “homo love is hate” amongst other religiously themed chants.
Featured image via Twitter
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