Kim Davis Joins GOP When Democrats Don’t Support Gay Marriage License Interference: Kentucky Clerk Claims LGBT Pals
Kim Davis, the famed Kentucky county clerk who has been battling the law on same-sex marriage licenses, is shifting political parties. Kim spent years as a Democrat, but Davis now is becoming a Republican after some of them helped her in her stance against gay marriage, reported the Los Angeles Times.
Liberty Counsel is handling Kim’s legal fight, and spokesperson Charla Bansley revealed what Davis said regarding her decision. The news flash occurred during Kim’s visit to Washington for the Family Research Council’s Value Voters Summit.
“I’ve always been a Democrat, but the party left me,” declared Davis.
Kim’s battle began when she denied same-sex couples their requests for marriage licenses. Davis’ refusal came despite the Supreme Court’s ruling that made gay marriage legal.
When Kim ignored a federal judge’s order to provide same-sex couples with their marriage licenses, she landed in jail. That five-day stay behind bars caused her to become heroic in the eyes of those who agreed with her anti-gay-marriage views.
But it was not Davis’ Democratic party who helped her. Instead, Republicans such as presidential candidates ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz paid homage to Kim while also benefiting from the publicity she received.
Huckabee even organized a highly publicized rally for religious freedom.
Although Kim did become a free woman following her five-day jail stay, Davis’ exit was with the understanding that she would not cause problems when her deputies provided same-sex couples with marriage licenses. Despite that condition established by a judge, Kim celebrated getting back to work by changing the licenses to remove her office and name.
Davis then came under fire from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Siding with those couples refused by Kim, the ACLU requested that a judge demand that Davis either provide the couples valid licenses or suffer the consequences.
As for the shift in political party, Kim won the election to become Rowan County clerk when she was in the Democratic party. That vote put her in the chair her own Democratic mom had filled for 37 years.
But while Davis talks about her change in political party, it’s not known what will happen after she interfered with same-sex couples who sought marriage licenses from her office, reported Esquire.
“[Kim Davis] made material changes to recently issued marriage licenses upon her return (from jail) and is not in compliance with a federal court order,” said lawyers who represent the couples who are trying to sue Davis.
As Kim persists in not signing marriage licenses, Deputy Clerk Brian Mason has been doing the work. However, Mason’s lawyer revealed that Davis took the licenses and provided him with a document that took out references to her office and Rowan County. The document also demanded that he put his own title down as notary public.
That action and document from Kim contradicts the judge’s order that Davis not run interference with marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
The ACLU’s legal response seeks to get Kim to provide same-sex couples with unaltered marriage licenses.
“[Licenses should] be issued under the earlier format or the clerk’s office should be put in receivership and fines imposed,” said the ACLU.
As for Davis, she has this to say about her life.
“I’m just a normal person that has been touched by the grace of God, and his mercy.”
In addition, Kim noted that she serves God rather than voters and that she has friends who are gay.
[All Photos by Ty Wright/Getty Images]
