News (USA)

Bill would exempt clerks from issuing gay marriage licenses

Bill would exempt clerks from issuing gay marriage licenses
The American Civil Liberties Union sued Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis over the issue. That case is pending.
The American Civil Liberties Union sued Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis over the issue. That case is pending.

FRANKFORT, Ky. –— Two Republican state representatives have filed a bill that would protect county clerks from criminal or civil liability for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples because of their religious beliefs.

Reps. Stan Lee of Lexington and David Meade of Stanford are sponsoring the bill for the legislative session that begins in January. It is similar to one filed by Republican state Rep. Addia Wuchner of Florence.

At least two county clerks have stopped issuing all marriage licenses after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriages are legal nationwide. The American Civil Liberties Union sued Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis over the issue. That case is pending.

The bill would also protect ministers from liability for refusing to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples.

© 2015, Associated Press, All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

La: same-sex health insurance for state workers’ spouses

Previous article

Meet the filmmaker who wants to save little kids who feel “different”

Next article