MOREHEAD, Ky. (CN) - The judge who slammed a Kentucky clerk for not issuing marriage licenses to gay couples blocked that ruling from taking effect until the Sixth Circuit hears her religious-objection appeal.
Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis claims religious beliefs should allow clerks to "opt out" of granting licenses to couples of their choosing.
When two gay couples whom Davis refused to issue licenses sued, U.S. District Judge David Bunning slammed the clerk last week for contravening the Supreme Court's recent holding in Obergefell v. Hodges, which struck down laws banning gay marriage in a handful of states across the country.
With Judge Bunning ordering Davis to comply with the Supreme Court mandate, Davis has refused to marry anyone, gay or straight.
Noting "emotions are running high on both sides of this debate," Judge Bunning granted the clerk a stay Monday as she seeks relief from the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati.
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear had previously told all clerks in the state to comply with the law or resign, but Davis is the first holdout to be challenged with a lawsuit.
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