Federal Judge Puts Expiration Date On Kim Davis’ Ability To Refuse To Issue Marriage Licenses

Kim Davis has had a lot of leeway in refusing to do her job. Now a federal judge is tamping that down, just a bit.

Since June 26 Kim Davis has refused to carry out the most basic aspects of her elected position. As the Rowan County clerk, Davis – whose mother held the position for 27 years – is charged with issuing marriage licenses.

When the Supreme Court ruled that marriage licenses must be issued nationwide without regard to gender, Davis decided her office would no longer issue marriage licenses – forcing her entire Kentucky county to head elsewhere for the right to marry.

Last week on Wednesday a federal judge ruled Davis’ religious freedom was not being violated by her issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, an act she claims would violate her religious beliefs – despite having been married four times herself. He ordered her to begin issuing marriage licenses.

UPDATE: Kim Davis Files Emergency Motion: Issuing Licenses To Gays Would ‘Irreparably’ Burden Her Conscience

On Thursday, several couples attempted to test the judge’s ruling by applying for marriage licenses. Davis’ son (yes, it’s apparently a family business) refused them while his mother took a vacation day. She returned to the office on Friday but still no marriage licenses have been issued.

On Monday the same federal judge, David Bunning, refused Davis’ request for a stay on his decision, but announced he would temporarily delay enforcing it while her attorneys applied to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals for a stay.

At least, that’s what many – but not all – believed his ruling meant. 

This afternoon, Judge Bunning “clarified” his intentions, saying he was allowing Davis time to file an appeal.

But Bunning also closed the loop a bit, stating Davis has until August 31 to comply with his original ruling and issue marriage licenses to all couples, unless the 6th Circuit intervenes otherwise.

It’s been a full week since Bunning ruled, and yet, according to reports, Davis’ attorneys have yet to file an appeal.

 

RELATED:

Clerk Sues Governor, Claims Her Religious Liberty Was Violated When He Told Her To Do Her Job

Attorneys Liken Clerk Who Won’t Issue Same-Sex Marriage Licenses To Wartime Conscientious Objector

Clerk Who Won’t Issue Marriage Licenses Offers Religious Defense In Federal Court Testimony (Video)

 

Hat tip: Chris Geidner via Twitter
Image: Screenshot of Kim Davis refusing a same-sex couple a marriage license by davidvmoore1976 via YouTube