Kentucky clerk to be released from jail

GRAYSON, Ky. (AP) — The latest on the case of a Kentucky county clerk who’s in jail over her refusal to issue marriage licenses to gay couples (all times local):

1:50 p.m.

A second county clerk in Kentucky who has refused to issue marriage licenses because of religious beliefs says he’s relieved that Kim Davis has been ordered released from jail.

Casey County clerk Casey Davis says he thinks a judge did the right thing Tuesday by ordering her release.

Davis, who is not related to Rowan County clerk, says: “It’s been a total injustice.”

Casey Davis is still not issuing marriage licenses. He says the conflict could come to his county next. He says only one same-sex couple has inquired about a license. They called the office and were told no licenses were being issued, and Davis says that’s the last he heard from them.

He says that gay marriage is a sin and that he’s willing to go to jail, as Kim Davis did. But he like many other clerks, Casey Davis hopes for a legislative solution; however, the state legislature isn’t scheduled to meet until January. The governor has refused to call a costly special session.

———

1:05 p.m.

The Kentucky county clerk who has refused to issue marriage licenses because of her religious beliefs will be released from jail, where she’s been held since Thursday on a contempt of court charge.

U.S. District Judge David Bunning lifted the contempt order Tuesday and ordered Rowan County clerk Kim Davis released.

Bunning’s ruling says he’s satisfied that Davis’ office is complying with orders to grant marriage licenses. He ordered Davis not to interfere with that business. Deputy clerks have been issuing the licenses. Five of the six deputies told Bunning they would do so, although some were reluctant and cited religious beliefs. Bunning’s ruling requests updates on the five deputy clerks’ compliance from their lawyers every 14 days.

Bunning sent Davis to jail on Thursday. Before the release order, GOP presidential candidates Mike Huckabee and Ted Cruz each had planned jailhouse visits with her Tuesday afternoon.

Outside the jail, word spread the crowd. Some said they couldn’t believe it. Supporters chanted “Let Kim go!” Police officers and others gathered at the front door. Davis’ husband, Joe Davis, went inside. Huckabee followed shortly after.

———

1 p.m.

A Republican congressman from Kentucky says a federal judge’s decision to jail a Kentucky clerk was premature because the state legislature hasn’t had time to update its marriage laws since the U.S. Supreme Court effectively legalized gay marriage.

Republican U.S. Rep Thomas Massie said Tuesday outside the jail where Rowan County clerk Kim Davis is being held that state law is in flux.

He pointed out that Kentucky’s law still requires the woman in a relationship to apply for a marriage license. It makes no mention of same-sex relationships. He says the legislature needs to update that and several other laws, including ones that require marriage licenses to be issued under the county clerk’s authority.

Massie says: “I’m here because five Supreme Court justices stole my job. They legislated. They wrote law.”