Kentucky Clerk Who Refused to Issue Marriage License Sent to Jail

A few days ago, the Supreme Court ruled that Kim Davis, the clerk of Rowan County, Kentucky, could not refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Davis continued to refuse, despite the ruling. Then today she was called before a judge in contempt of court. In the hearing before Judge David Bunning, Davis argued that she should not have to issue marriage licenses for same-sex couples since it goes against her religious beliefs. Judge Bunning disagreed and ordered her to be jailed. He said Davis will be released once she agrees to issue the licenses. The decision sparked an uproar about the rule of law and religious liberties. Some argued that as a public official, Davis is obligated to follow orders issued by the courts. But others saw the ruling as a threat to religious freedom. Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul told CNN that it’s “absurd to put someone in jail for exercising their religious liberties.”