Kentucky: Gay Couple Receives Same-Sex Marriage License

A day after a Kentucky clerk was jailed for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses, a gay couple successfully secured one at the Rowan County clerk’s office Friday morning.

 

William Smith Jr. and James Yates were the first couple to obtain a license since Kim Davis, the Rowan County clerk, stopped issuing marriage certificates immediately after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June legalizing same-sex unions.

Mr. Smith and Mr. Yates entered the clerk’s office shortly after it opened at 8 a.m., holding hands as they navigated through a throng of reporters. It was their sixth attempt to obtain a license, after being turned away in previous attempts.

A deputy clerk seated behind the counter—one of five who told a federal judge on Thursday that they would comply with his order to issue licenses to all couples, gay or straight—took their information and processed their paperwork. They provided identification, paid $35.50 and signed the license.

“Congratulations, guys,” the deputy clerk said. “You have a good day.”

The couple then embraced, their eyes full of tears, and exited the building with their hands clasped. Outside, scores of demonstrators greeted them. Supporters of gay marriage chanted, “Love has won!,” while opponents yelled, “God almighty is the one in charge!”

Mr. Yates said he felt “elated,” but claustrophobic as reporters swarmed around him. He crossed the street to greet his mother, who embraced him. “I’m so happy for you,” she said.

Mr. Yates told reporters that no one wanted Ms. Davis to go to jail, but “civil rights are civil rights.”

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge David Bunning of the Eastern District of Kentucky declared Ms. Davis in contempt of court and had her jailed for repeatedly defying his order to issue marriage licenses. He said she would remain in custody until he felt assured that his order would be implemented.

Friday’s issuing of licenses may not lead to Ms. Davis’s release. Thursday, she rejected an offer by the judge to avoid being held in contempt on the condition that she agree to allow her deputies to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

As an elected official, Ms. Davis can’t be fired. To be removed, she would have to be impeached by the state Legislature or convicted of a crime.