(Editor's Note: The following is a press release issued by the ACLU of Kentucky).
U.S. District Court Judge David Bunning heard additional testimony today in the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky’s lawsuit against Rowan County and Clerk Kim Davis for refusing to issue marriage licenses to any eligible couple, in an attempt to keep same-gender couples from obtaining them.
The ACLU of Kentucky is representing four couples, two gay and two straight.
ACLU of Kentucky Cooperating Attorneys Dan Canon, Laura Landenwich, and Joe Dunman of Clay Daniel Walton & Adams PLC of Louisville are also representing the couples.
“Today’s hearing confirmed what we already knew; Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis is refusing to issue marriage licenses because of her personal religious beliefs. We are hopeful Judge Bunning will agree that while Ms. Davis has a right to religious freedom, that freedom does not authorize her to withhold essential government services because of those beliefs,” said William Sharp, legal director of the ACLU of Kentucky.
“Gay and lesbian people are our friends, neighbors, family and co-workers. When it comes to being served by a government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. The majority of county clerks in Kentucky are treating everyone fairly and equally under the law. What is happening in Rowan County is one in a small handful of unfortunate exceptions,” Michael Aldridge, executive director of the ACLU of Kentucky.
Judge Bunning is expected to issue a ruling in this phase of the case in early August.
