Steve Beshear and Jack Conway: On refusing marriage licenses

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Both Governor Steve Beshear and Attorney General Jack Conway issued statements today, regarding individuals in government positions refusing to issue marriage licenses.

Conway’s statement seems to affirm that religious leaders can refuse to officiate a wedding as they please, but says government officials open themselves to legal retaliation in federal court if they refuse to issue licenses.

Beshear’s statement likewise affirms that clerks are free to believe whatever they like, but reminds them that they took an oath to provide important duties in their communities as elected officials – regardless of opposing ideals on the subject matter.

"The United States Supreme Court issued the final word on this issue on Friday. The ruling does not tell a minister or congregation what they must do, but it does make clear that the government cannot pick and choose when it comes to issuing marriage licenses and the benefits they confer. Any clerk that refuses to issue marriage licenses is opening himself or herself to potential legal liability and sanctions. Any couple or person denied a license may seek remedy in federal court, but should consult with a private attorney about their particular situation.” – Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway

"Our county clerks took an oath, as elected officials, to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Kentucky and to provide important duties in their communities. This oath does not dictate what our clerks must believe, but it certainly prescribes how they must act in carrying out their duties as elected officials. Same-sex couples in Kentucky are now entitled to the issuance of a marriage license by every county clerk, based on Friday’s ruling by the United States Supreme Court. While there are certainly strongly held views on both sides of this issue, the fact remains that each clerk vowed to uphold the law regardless of his or her personal beliefs. I appreciate the clerks who are fulfilling their duties, issuing licenses to all couples, and I would expect others to execute the duties of their offices as prescribed by law and to issue marriage licenses to all Kentuckians." -Governor Steve Beshear.