GRAYSON, Ky. — The Kentucky county clerk jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples was released Tuesday after five days behind bars, emerging to a tumultuous reception from thousands of supporters.
“I just want to give God the glory. His people have rallied, and you are strong,” she told the crowd — many waving crosses — after stepping outside, her arms raised in victory to the blaring Rocky theme song “Eye of the Tiger.”
Her attorney wouldn’t say whether she would defy the courts again.
“Kim cannot and will not violate her conscience,” said Mat Staver, founder of the Liberty Counsel, which is representing Davis.
The Rowan County clerk, whose jailing helped make her a hero to the religious right, walked free after the federal judge who ordered her locked up lifted the contempt order against her, saying he was satisfied that her deputies were fulfilling their obligation to grant licenses to same-sex couples in her absence.
U.S. District Judge David Bunning warned Davis not to interfere again. Davis, 49, has refused to resign her $80,000-a-year job.
Gov. Steve Beshear, a Democrat like Davis, reiterated Tuesday that he will not call a special session of the legislature to overhaul the state’s process for licensing marriages.
