Kim Davis sparks more refusals to issue marriage licenses in different states

Judges would rather refrain from issuing any marriage licenses at all

In the wake of Kim Davis' stand against granting same-sex marriage licenses, several officials nationwide have taken steps to avoid granting licenses as well.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (Catholic Online) - The Wall Street Journal reports four magistrates in North Carolina's McDowell County have all recused themselves from performing wedding ceremonies of any kind. 

A North Carolina state law passed in June allows public official assistants and deputies to refrain from issuing marriage licenses if they have any religious objections. 

Sarah Preston, acting executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, said the refusal to marry anyone in McDowell "illustrates the administrative nightmare that this new law set up for our local officials."

Since McDowell County refuses to marry anyone, neighboring Rutherford County has been performing ceremonies three days a week during reduced hours.

Tonia Hampton, McDowell County register of deeds, said, "It's business as usual for us."

Following North Carolina's example, several Alabama judges have refused to provide licenses as well, choosing instead to refrain from marrying anyone at all. "By not issuing licenses to anyone, I'm not discriminating against anyone," Judge Nick Williams, Washington County probate judge, said.

Williams claims he stopped issuing licenses as soon as the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. He believes same-sex marriage is "ill-advised" and "invalid."

In Alabama, probate judges "may" issue marriage licenses but are under no obligation to do so. 

Before returning to work, Kim Davis filed an appeal in federal court to allow her to continue her practice of refusing to grant same-sex couples marriage licenses. 

Alongside Davis, two other Kentucky county clerks have refused to issue licenses, including Casey Davis, who is not related to Kim Davis. He showed his support for Kim Davis' stand by riding his bike across the state and announced he would risk jail to uphold his religious beliefs.

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