A lawsuit against a Kentucky county clerk refusing to issue marriage licenses since the U.S. Supreme Court determined that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide, brought protestors to Covington on Monday.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sued Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis in federal court on behalf of a pair of gay couples and a pair of straight couples.
Davis has refused to issue marriage licenses, citing her religious beliefs, and was captured denying a license to a gay couple in a video that went viral online.
In anticipation of the hearing Monday, supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage convened outside the federal courthouse on Fifth Street in downtown Covington.
“I am here to support equal rights for all,” said Quincy Swain.
Supporters of the Supreme Court’s ruling that overturned bans on same-sex marriage across the country, including in Kentucky where the practice remained illegal, waved rainbow flags and colorful placards while opponents carried religious messages.
Rowan County is one of a handful of counties that refused licenses after the ruling, including Boone County here in Northern Kentucky. Most have since opted to follow the law, including Boone County Clerk Kenny Brown.
Rowan County is situated in north central Kentucky and has roughly 23,000 people. It is home to Morehead and Morehead State University.
The River City News will update this story when more is known of the proceedings inside the courthouse. Judge David Bunning is presiding over the case.
-Chuck Beatty, associate editor
