Liberty Counsel & ACLU react to executive order on marriage licenses

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ)- The Liberty Counsel and the ACLU are speaking out about Governor Matt Bevin’s executive order taking county clerks’ names off marriage licenses.

“This is a wonderful Christmas gift for Kim Davis,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. “This executive order is a clear, simple accommodation on behalf of Kim Davis and all Kentucky clerks. Kim can celebrate Christmas with her family knowing she does not have to choose between her public office and her deeply-held religious convictions.”

Davis spent five days in jail for defying a federal court order to issue licenses. She said her religious beliefs prevented her from doing so. Rowan County is issuing them, without her name. Now every clerk will be able to do the same.

Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky released a statement about the order. Legal Director William Sharp says, “Governor Bevin’s executive action has added to the cloud of uncertainty that hangs over marriage licensing in Kentucky. The requirement that the county clerk’s name appear on marriage licenses is prescribed by Kentucky law and is not subject to unilateral change by the governor — conceded by the previous administration in court filings. Today, however, a new administration claims to have that authority.”