There will be no special session of the Kentucky General Assembly this year. Governor Steve Beshear issued the following statement:
“There are obviously strong feelings on both sides of this issue, but the United States Supreme Court has spoken and same-sex marriage is now legal in Kentucky and the rest of the United States. Regardless of whatever their personal feelings might be, the overwhelming majority of county clerks are following the law and carrying out their duty to issue marriage licenses regardless of gender, and the courts will deal appropriately with the two or three clerks who are acting otherwise. Same-sex couples are now being married in Kentucky and such marriages from other states are now being recognized under Kentucky law. This Administration continues to identify statutes which must now be interpreted in a different way and is making the appropriate changes. For example, the Department of Revenue has put out new guidance in the area of taxation and the Administrative Office of the Courts has issued new guidance on changing names on driver’s licenses.
It’s time for everyone to take a deep breath. There is no need to spend $60,000 a day of taxpayers’ dollars calling a special session of the General Assembly, and therefore I will not be calling a special session on this topic. If there are any minor changes needed to clarify the language of statutes, any such changes can be made in the 2016 legislative session in January.”
Republican state senators released this statement:
“The Senate has been exploring options to address the situation that our county clerks and religious institutions find themselves in due to the actions of the Supreme Court. Religious liberties are an important part of the basis of our Republic and all statutory options available should be considered. This is a very complex issue and perhaps it would be appropriate for the Governor to issue a temporary solution via executive order until the Legislature can craft a more comprehensive solution in January.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Addia Wuchner (R-Florence) pre-filed legislation related to same-sex marriages:
“Since last week’s Supreme Court ruling that redefined marriage, I have had numerous calls and conversations with pastors and clergy serving various faith communities expressing their concerns on how this ruling would impact their ability to practice their faith and deeply held doctrinal traditions in solemnizing marriages and matrimonial celebrations”, Wuchner said.
Wuchner said that the bill is geared to solely protect clergy and does not include county clerks, some of which have refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples because it conflicts with their religious beliefs.
Critics have called the bill unnecessary as religious institutions are not required to perform any marriages or actions that go against their beliefs.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story identified Rep. Addia Wuchner as a state senator. She is a member of the House of Representatives. RCN regrets the error.
-Staff report
