News
Bill Would Exempt Clerks from Issuing Gay Marriage Licenses
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – 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.