To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
"By refusing to simply issue a form, Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis has prevented our clients, four loving couples, from obtaining marriage licenses in the county where they live and pay taxes," said ACLU legal director Steven Shapiro. (Photo: Elvert Barnes/cc/flickr)
Backing up this year's landmark equality ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected a Kentucky county clerk's request to deny issuing same-sex marriage certificates on the grounds of religious preference.
In a unanimous decision, the court ruled that the Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis could not 'opt out' of her duties as a public official because of her personal objections.
The ruling marks the court's first foray into a series of pending legal battles following the Obergefell v. Hodges et. al. decision in June. Davis attempted to appeal that decision to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court. When her stay was denied, she requested a stay pending appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court so that she could continue to refuse to issue marriage licenses.
"Today the U.S. Supreme Court resoundingly affirmed that government officials must carry out the duties of public office," said Steven Shapiro, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union. "By refusing to simply issue a form, Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis has prevented our clients, four loving couples, from obtaining marriage licenses in the county where they live and pay taxes. Davis has no basis for any further delay in denying couples the freedom to marry."
However, despite the ruling, Davis--evoking "God's authority"--continued to reject marriage license requests on Monday and, according to reports, faces a potential charge of "contempt of court."
WKYT reporter Hillary Thornton documented on her Twitter feed the exchange between Davis and same-sex couples seeking marriage certificates.
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
Backing up this year's landmark equality ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected a Kentucky county clerk's request to deny issuing same-sex marriage certificates on the grounds of religious preference.
In a unanimous decision, the court ruled that the Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis could not 'opt out' of her duties as a public official because of her personal objections.
The ruling marks the court's first foray into a series of pending legal battles following the Obergefell v. Hodges et. al. decision in June. Davis attempted to appeal that decision to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court. When her stay was denied, she requested a stay pending appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court so that she could continue to refuse to issue marriage licenses.
"Today the U.S. Supreme Court resoundingly affirmed that government officials must carry out the duties of public office," said Steven Shapiro, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union. "By refusing to simply issue a form, Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis has prevented our clients, four loving couples, from obtaining marriage licenses in the county where they live and pay taxes. Davis has no basis for any further delay in denying couples the freedom to marry."
However, despite the ruling, Davis--evoking "God's authority"--continued to reject marriage license requests on Monday and, according to reports, faces a potential charge of "contempt of court."
WKYT reporter Hillary Thornton documented on her Twitter feed the exchange between Davis and same-sex couples seeking marriage certificates.
Backing up this year's landmark equality ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected a Kentucky county clerk's request to deny issuing same-sex marriage certificates on the grounds of religious preference.
In a unanimous decision, the court ruled that the Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis could not 'opt out' of her duties as a public official because of her personal objections.
The ruling marks the court's first foray into a series of pending legal battles following the Obergefell v. Hodges et. al. decision in June. Davis attempted to appeal that decision to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court. When her stay was denied, she requested a stay pending appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court so that she could continue to refuse to issue marriage licenses.
"Today the U.S. Supreme Court resoundingly affirmed that government officials must carry out the duties of public office," said Steven Shapiro, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union. "By refusing to simply issue a form, Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis has prevented our clients, four loving couples, from obtaining marriage licenses in the county where they live and pay taxes. Davis has no basis for any further delay in denying couples the freedom to marry."
However, despite the ruling, Davis--evoking "God's authority"--continued to reject marriage license requests on Monday and, according to reports, faces a potential charge of "contempt of court."
WKYT reporter Hillary Thornton documented on her Twitter feed the exchange between Davis and same-sex couples seeking marriage certificates.
