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Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis explains herself: ‘It is a Heaven or Hell decision’
Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis released a lengthy statement Tuesday (1 September) explaining why she has continued to defy a judge’s order that she resume issuing marriage licenses – including to same-sex couples.
‘It is not a light issue for me. It is a Heaven or Hell decision. For me it is a decision of obedience,’ she says in a statement posted by the anti-gay Liberty Counsel which is representing her legally.
‘I have no animosity toward anyone and harbor no ill will. To me this has never been a gay or lesbian issue. It is about marriage and God’s Word. It is a matter of religious liberty, which is protected under the First Amendment, the Kentucky Constitution, and in the Kentucky Religious Freedom Restoration Act.’
Davis, who has been married four times, explains that she became a Christian four years ago ‘following the death of my godly mother-in-law.’
‘I went to church to fulfill her dying wish,’ she states. ‘There I heard a message of grace and forgiveness and surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. I am not perfect. No one is. But I am forgiven and I love my Lord and must be obedient to Him and to the Word of God.’
Since the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states, Davis has refused to issue marriage licenses to all couples – straight or gay. She was sued by four of the couples and was ordered by a judge to do her job but has remained defiant.
On Monday (31 August), the US Supreme Court refused her request for a stay as she fights a lower court’s ruling against her.
‘I never imagined a day like this would come, where I would be asked to violate a central teaching of Scripture and of Jesus Himself regarding marriage,’ she states. ‘To issue a marriage license which conflicts with God’s definition of marriage, with my name affixed to the certificate, would violate my conscience.
‘Our history is filled with accommodations for people’s religious freedom and conscience. I want to continue to perform my duties, but I also am requesting what our Founders envisioned – that conscience and religious freedom would be protected. That is all I am asking.
‘I never sought to be in this position, and I would much rather not have been placed in this position. I have received death threats from people who do not know me. I harbor nothing against them. I was elected by the people to serve as the County Clerk. I intend to continue to serve the people of Rowan County, but I cannot violate my conscience.’
Davis became County Clerk in January after 27 years as a deputy clerk in the office.
‘I have never lived any place other than Rowan County,’ she states. ‘Some people have said I should resign, but I have done my job well.’
The post Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis explains herself: ‘It is a Heaven or Hell decision’ appeared first on Gay Star News.
Greg Hernandez
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