Justice

How To Shut Down The Logic of Kim Davis' Supporters

September 9th 2015

On Tuesday, Kim Davis, a county clerk in Kentucky, was released from jail on the condition that she refrains from intervening, either directly or indirectly, in the issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Rowan County. For two months, the clerk rejected the Supreme Court's June ruling, which legalized gay marriage nationwide. Davis refuses to issue same-sex marriage licenses on religious grounds.

A federal judge found Davis in contempt of court and ordered her arrest last week; she was detained for five days and released on Tuesday. She emerged from the Kentucky jail to the sound of applause from a rally with presidential candidate Mike Huckabee; "Eye of the Tiger" played as she ascended the stage.

"I just want to give God the glory," Davis told supporters at an event following her release.

Related: 7 instant reactions to Kim Davis' Eye of the Tiger speech 

"His people have rallied and you are a strong people," she continued.

Though it appeared to serve as a rallying call for supporters, Davis' speech reinforced the idea that her time in jail was somehow unjustified—despite the fact that she had failed to adhere to her duties as the Rowan County clerk. It also reinforced the idea that one's religious beliefs should take precedent over one's responsibility to uphold federal law. However, while the First Amendment does ensure freedom of religion, it does not allow people serving in public office to impose their religious views on others, as actor George Takei pointed out.

Related: George Takei Issued a Blistering Response to the Celebration of Kim Davis

These memes perfectly capture the absurdity of Davis' legal logic:

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Kim Davis memeFacebook - facebook.com

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ICYMI: Kim Davis, Kentucky Law Clerk Refused Same-Sex Marriage Licenses

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