Wed 9 Sep 2015 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Supporters of the Kentucky clerk who was jailed for stubbornly refusing to do her job granting same-sex marriage licences has received a hero’s welcome as she was released from jail. Born-again Christian clerk Kim Davis had repeatedly denied issuing marriage licences to same-sex couples on religious grounds – and even closed her office as the argument escalated. Davis insists she’s acting “under God’s authority” and said last week he’d rather go to jail than allow the marriage licences to be issued. As a martyr for her cause, Davis’ jailing has encouraged those opposed to marriage equality to see her as a leading light of rebellion and religious freedom, with Republican Presidential hopefuls joining the chorus of those cheering the hard-hearted administrator. This led to a bizarre scene outside the Kentucky jail that released her overnight. She came out to rapturous applause and cheers, as the triumphant Survivor song ‘Eye of the Tiger’ played. Obviously thrilled with the reception she was getting, she thanked the crowd, telling them “I love you all so very much.” “I just want to give God the glory,” she added. “His people have rallied, and you are a strong people!” “We serve a living God who knows exactly where each and every one of us is at. Just keep on pressing. Don’t let down, because he is here. He’s worthy.” Davis was released because her staff agreed in recent days to begin issuing marriage licences to all couples in her county, bringing an end to the deadlock on new licences that she had instigated. The clerk has now been ordered not to “interfere in any way, directly or indirectly” with the issue of marriage certificates, or she may face fines or prison again. Republican Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee proudly supports Kim Davis, speaking of her plight like she was being persecuted unfairly. He said at the gathering for her release: “I know there are some people who will say this is a rally of hate. They would be wrong. We gather here today because we love God and we love this great country.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 9th September 2015 - 12:49pm