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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Crystal Cooper, ACLU national, 212-519-7894, ccooper@aclu.org
Amber Duke, ACLU of Kentucky, 502-581-9746, amber@aclu-ky.org

U.S. District Court Releases Kentucky Clerk from Custody

Judge Orders Rowan County Clerk Not to Interfere with Deputies Issuing Marriage Licenses

MOREHEAD, Ky.

U.S. District Judge David Bunning today released Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis from custody of the U.S. Marshals under order that she not interfere with deputy clerks issuing marriage licenses to all legally eligible couples. On September 3, Davis was found in contempt of court for violating an order that required her to uphold her duty as a public official and issue marriage licenses to Rowan County couples immediately.

The following comment may be attributed to William Sharp, legal director of the ACLU of Kentucky, representing plaintiffs in this case:

"This case was brought to ensure that all residents of Rowan County, gay and straight, could obtain marriage licenses. That goal has been achieved. The Kentucky Attorney General and counsel for Rowan County have said the marriage licenses are valid. We are relying on those representations, and our clients look forward to proceeding with their plans to marry."

The American Civil Liberties Union was founded in 1920 and is our nation's guardian of liberty. The ACLU works in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

(212) 549-2666