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On Monday, SCOTUS refused to allow a county clerk in Kentucky, Kim Davis, who objects to same-sex marriage on religious grounds, to continue to deny marriage licenses to all couples, gay or straight.
This case, Davis v. Miller, was the court's first opportunity to consider whether a government official may refuse to comply with the Obergefell v. Hodges decision that granted a nationwide constitutional right to marriage equality, based on religious grounds.
Ms. Davis, an ELECTED county clerk, requested that she be excused from this obligation based on her religious beliefs. The case was filed as an emergency application to the Supreme Court, and Justice Elena Kagen, who supervises cases in the judicial circuit that includes Kentucky, referred the matter to the full court.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit had already denied Ms. Davis' petition, stating:
The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals' decision.
So, either Ms. Davis needs to do her job or resign.
'nuff said.
ETA: And apparently, Ms. Davis feels her bigotry trumps the Constitution and has continued to refuse to issue marriage licenses. New York Times article.
This case, Davis v. Miller, was the court's first opportunity to consider whether a government official may refuse to comply with the Obergefell v. Hodges decision that granted a nationwide constitutional right to marriage equality, based on religious grounds.
Ms. Davis, an ELECTED county clerk, requested that she be excused from this obligation based on her religious beliefs. The case was filed as an emergency application to the Supreme Court, and Justice Elena Kagen, who supervises cases in the judicial circuit that includes Kentucky, referred the matter to the full court.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit had already denied Ms. Davis' petition, stating:
“It cannot be defensibly argued that the holder of the Rowan County clerk’s office, apart from who personally occupies that office, may decline to act in conformity with the United States Constitution as interpreted by a dispositive holding of the United States Supreme Court... There is thus little or no likelihood that the clerk in her official capacity will prevail on appeal.”
The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals' decision.
So, either Ms. Davis needs to do her job or resign.
'nuff said.
ETA: And apparently, Ms. Davis feels her bigotry trumps the Constitution and has continued to refuse to issue marriage licenses. New York Times article.
