Supreme Court Rejects Kim Davis Plea, Upholds Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a high-profile appeal from Kim Davis. The former Kentucky county clerk sought to overturn a ruling requiring her to pay damages for denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples. This decision solidifies the legal foundation for marriage equality nationwide.

According to Reuters, the justices left intact a jury’s verdict against Davis without any comment. This marks a significant legal endpoint in a case that began shortly after the landmark 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision.

Legal and Financial Repercussions for Davis

A federal jury had previously awarded the two affected men, David Ermold and David Moore, $50,000 each in damages. A judge later added $260,000 in legal fees and expenses to that total. Davis was found to have violated their constitutional rights.

Davis had halted all marriage licenses in Rowan County following the 2015 ruling. She argued that issuing licenses to same-sex couples violated her religious beliefs. Her defiance led to a five-day jail stint for contempt of court in a separate, related case.

Broader Implications for Marriage Equality

This rejection is seen as a victory for the stability of same-sex marriage rights. The Supreme Court’s current composition is more conservative than the bench that decided Obergefell. This had led to speculation that the precedent could be vulnerable.

Justice Clarence Thomas had previously suggested the Court should reconsider the Obergefell ruling. However, the justices declined to use Davis’s case as a vehicle for such a review. The decision reinforces that the 2015 ruling remains settled law.

The Supreme Court’s rejection of Kim Davis’s plea underscores the enduring legal force of the Supreme Court Kim Davis ruling. This outcome affirms that public officials cannot deny services based on personal religious objections to same-sex marriage.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Kim Davis?

Kim Davis is a former county clerk from Rowan County, Kentucky. She gained national attention in 2015 for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Her actions defied the Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges decision.

What was Kim Davis ordered to pay?

A jury ordered Davis to pay $100,000 in total damages to the two couples she turned away. A federal judge also mandated she cover an additional $260,000 in legal fees and expenses for the plaintiffs.

Does this Supreme Court action affect same-sex marriage rights?

Yes, by rejecting the appeal, the Court has reaffirmed the Obergefell v. Hodges precedent. This action strengthens the legal standing of same-sex marriage across the United States and discourages similar challenges.

What was the main argument in Davis’s appeal?

Davis argued that the Constitution does not explicitly mention same-sex marriage. She also contended that her religious freedoms and a concept of sovereign immunity protected her actions against the plaintiffs’ claims.

Why was this appeal considered a longshot?

Legal experts viewed the appeal as unlikely to succeed. The Supreme Court typically avoids revisiting its own recent landmark precedents without a compelling new legal question. The case was seen as a poor vehicle for overturning Obergefell.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press