Rowan County Court Clerk Kim Davis waves to a crowd of supporters during a rally outside the Carter County Jail on September 8, 2015 in Grayson, Kentucky. (Ty Wright/Getty Images)
lawsuit against Kim DavisA former Kentucky county official who spent several days in jail for refusing to sign a same-sex couple's marriage license may have the potential to overturn the Supreme Court's decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. No, her lawyer told FOX News Digital. .
Kim Davis, a devout Christian, found herself in the middle of a national controversy in 2015 when she refused to sign the petition. Marriage license for same-sex couples Because of her religious belief that marriage is between one man and one woman. Now, several years later, a federal judge has ruled that the former clerk must pay plaintiffs David Armold and David Moore $260,000 in legal fees and costs. The case is on appeal.
“The plaintiffs in this case are part of a larger agenda aimed at punishing people whose faith values marriage as the union of a man and a woman.” Founder of Liberty Counsel Chairman Matt Staver told Fox News on Thursday. “At this stage they appear to have been successful, but this lawsuit is set to potentially invalidate the very case that started this whole issue, which is a 2015 case without any basis. Obergefell v. Hodges. Constitution.”
Staver told FOX News Digital that Davis “loved everyone” and that she believed in God after her mother-in-law told Davis on her deathbed to “rebuild her life and go to church.” He said he came to She was deeply moved by her visit to fulfill her mother-in-law's wish.
A judge has ruled that a former clerk who refused to issue same-sex marriage licenses must pay $260,000 in legal fees.
Rowan County Clerk of Court Kim Davis listens to Robbie Blankenship and Jesse Crews on September 2, 2015 in Morehead, Kentucky. (Ty Wright/Getty Images)
“She heard about God's forgiveness and grace, and she dedicated her life to Him, and that changed her dramatically,” Staver said.
“…she has no ill will toward anyone, and even after the jury verdict awarded the Elmordo family $100,000, she still has no ill will toward the Elmordo family. There's no personal animosity. She's a wonderful woman, a wonderful woman, a kind woman. ”
Freedom attorneys will argue that Davis is entitled to religious accommodations under the First Amendment because he “could not afford to violate his deeply held Christian beliefs.” . A separate lawsuit against her found that Davis was not liable to pay monetary damages for her actions.
”“Kentucky officials (had) offered a conscience opt-out for hunting and fishing licenses,” Staver explained, and “Kim Davis wanted a conscience opt-out for same-sex marriage licenses.” He explained.
The attorney said former Gov. Beshear gave the attorney general a conscience opt-out when he said he could not defend the state's marriage amendment but would not do the same for Davis. The accommodation was eventually given to clerks by executive order under Gov. Matt Bevin, and in April 2016, the Legislature unanimously gave all clerks the option to opt out.
Liberty Counsel also says the Elmolds' claim for financial compensation is based on baseless allegations.
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Rowan County Clerk of Court Kim Davis (right) with Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee (left) in front of the Carter County Jail in Grayson, Kentucky, on September 8, 2015. (Ty Wright/Getty Images)
“During the trial, Mr. Elmold's intent to blame Kim Davis for his dismissal from Pikeville College was refuted by Pikeville College's director of human resources, who stated that his dismissal was unrelated to Kim Davis and that he was a member of the university. “They worked with many different departments to go through the budget reduction process,” Staver said. “Then they switched to saying there were hurt feelings, but they didn't provide any evidence of that. Unless they showed some evidence, corroborating evidence, medical evidence, psychological evidence, there were no hurt feelings. You can't claim damages based on that. They didn't offer any.”
Michael Gartland of Delcott Law Group, who represented the couple, said the ruling was “not surprising” and that the lawyers “fully expected to receive 100 cents on the dollar.” '' delivery journal.
the lawyer said USA Today He said his clients “couldn't be more pleased” with the verdict and were “shocked” that another couple who sued Davis were not awarded the money.
Gartland said he believed the case could last “another year or two,” adding: “Unless she goes through with the trial, we intend to collect the judgment against her, which includes a judgment against her attorney.” Lawsuits may also be included,” USA Today reported.
The case is, if it reaches supreme court, Justices Clarence Thomas, John Roberts, and Samuel Alito, who dissented in Obergefell v. Hodges, will hear the case. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagen upheld the decision. and four newly appointed judges.
