I’m probably going to ruffle a few of my Gentle Blogreaders’ feathers with today’s post, but hopefully we can agree to disagree…
Today’s post concerns Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who has been jailed for contempt of court because she refused “to heed a U.S. Supreme Court order legalizing same-sex marriage”.
Not only did Davis refuse to heed the order, she was, in essence, given a second chance by being asked to agree not to interfere with five deputy clerks who had told the federal judge that they would issue them in her stead.
Davis’ lawyer told the judge that Davis would not allow her deputies to issue the licenses either. Her objection is that her name and title is printed on the licenses.
If she is found guilty of misconduct, Davis could face up to one year of imprisonment.
I wondered why she wasn’t simply fired. Because Kim Davis is an elected official, she cannot be fired.
The state legislature could vote to impeach her. However most Kentucky voters oppose same-sex marriage, and it’s a pretty sure bet Davis won’t be impeached.
I acknowledge her convictions and support her right to honor her beliefs.
But I don’t think she should be able to keep her governmental job if she refuses to comply with federal law.
And that’s my two cents…
I didn’t know she was elected! Aha! Catching up to speed now…..
Was it you or Patricia who told me that she has been married multiple times herself – wait for it. Seinfeld quote coming…..
“Not that there is anything wrong with that!”
:o)
Must have been Patricia, but I did read that…
What a way to spend Labor Day Weekend–in jail for not doing your job. 😉
Crud. I wrote a really long better reply to this, but I hit enter instead of post comment. Short version: She broke an oath to God she took when taking office to follow the law and perform her duties. If performing her duties would violate her religious beliefs, then her only option is to resign. By staying and disobeying the law she broke her oath to God. If she disagrees with the law, then she may try to change the law outside of her workday, but she must perform her duties or quit.
Wow, I never thought about it that way, Joanne. Leave it to a lawyer to figure out the correct logic. Thanks! 🙂