Same-Sex Couple Finally Gets Marriage License From One of Kim Davis' Deputies

Kentucky clerk remains in jail until she agrees to start issuing the documents

By Francesca Bacardi Sep 04, 2015 2:52 PMTags
William Smith Jr., James YatesAP Photo/Timothy D. Easley

Same-sex couple James Yates and William Smith, Jr., finally obtained a marriage license from the Rowan County, Kentucky, court Friday!

Yates and Smith were denied a license multiple times by Kim Davis, who cited her religious beliefs and "God's authority" for not issuing the documents to same-sex couples. She was jailed Thursday because she disobeyed a court order to issue the licenses despite her personal beliefs. She denied the couple more than three times, so U.S. District Judge David Bunning found her in contempt of court.

"The court cannot condone the willful disobedience of its lawfully issued order," Bunning said in holding Davis in contempt, per the New York Times. "If you give people the opportunity to choose which orders they follow, that's what potentially causes problems."

Davis will remain in jail until she complies with the Supreme Court's order.

AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley

Bunning secured commitments from five deputy clerks to start issuing licenses. One of the five Bunning secured gave the couple their document. Davis continues to remain in jail, and her husband said she'll stay there "as long as it takes" until a law is passed that gives county clerks an option not to give out marriage licenses.

"She has done her job," Davis' husband said. "Just because five Supreme Court judges make a ruling, it's not a law."

When Smith and Yates left the courthouse, Smith said he felt "elated." The couple also addressed why it meant so much to them to be able to tie the knot in their home state, despite other places offering licenses. "This is where we live. This is where we pay taxes. This is our home," Smith said.

The couple's situation has made headlines in recent weeks and has caused many, including celebrities, to turn to social media to slam Davis. As soon as people found out that she has been married four times and has two children out of wedlock, many cried hypocrisy.

Davis is being sued by four couples—two gay and two straight—who argue that she must fulfill her duties as an elected official, in spite of her religious beliefs.

Congratulations to the happy couple!