Cincinnati, OH - Today, on behalf of Rowan County, Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis, Liberty Counsel filed a request for an order providing relief pending appeal against Gov. Steven Beshear at the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeal. This is an emergency request for the Governor to accommodate Kim's religious conviction, which would free her from jail. "Today is a holiday where most people are spending time with family and friends. But for Kim Davis this is day five of her incarceration. While she is content no matter her circumstances because of her deep faith and Jesus, she should be free," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel.
Today's filing addresses Gov. Beshear's inaction and refusal to consider easy accommodations for Kim Davis. The motion requests an injunction pending appeal for an exemption from the Governor's mandate that all county clerks issue marriage licenses. The Governor's edict directed Kentucky County Clerks like Kim Davis to authorize same-sex marriage licenses bearing their own name.
"Coercing Mrs. Davis to authorize and personally approve same-sex marriage in violation of her religious convictions and conscience is wrong," said Staver.
Staver continued, "From the outset of this case, Kim Davis has proposed numerous simple options to protect her sincerely-held religious beliefs. These less-restrictive solutions are readily available, and easily accomplished by the Governor and the state agency responsible for designing the revised marriage form at issue in this litigation. The Governor's refusal to take elementary steps to protect religious liberties has now landed Kim Davis in jail. As a prisoner of her conscience, Davis continues to request a simple accommodation and exemption from the Governor."
Later today or tomorrow morning, Liberty Counsel will also file the legal arguments at the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the Contempt Order. Yesterday that Contempt Order was appealed. The appeal was to the verbal order as Judge Bunning has not yet issued a written Contempt Order.
Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.
