Just hours before a big rally to call for Kim Davis’ release, a federal judge has ordered that she be released from jail.
Judge David L. Bunning also ordered Davis not to interfere when her deputy clerks issue marriage licenses.
Bunning, who held Davis in contempt and ordered her into custody, said he was satisfied that the Rowan County Clerk’s Office is now complying with a Supreme Court decision that made same-sex marriage legal in all the United States.
As we reported, a deputy clerk has been issuing marriage licenses to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples since Davis was sent to jail. Citing her religious beliefs, Davis had defied the Supreme Court since June by refusing to issue licenses.
Bunning did not order Davis to begin signing off on the licenses. Instead, he simply told her not to try to stop — “directly or indirectly” — licenses from being issued.
The licenses being issued do not have Davis’ name on them. Davis’ attorneys have argued that they are invalid.
“If Defendant Davis should interfere in any way with their issuance, that will be considered a violation of this Order and appropriate sanctions will be considered,” Bunning wrote in his order.
Bunning has also asked Davis’ deputy clerks to issue a status report every 14 days that details their compliance with his orders.
Bunning’s order comes just hours before a huge rally was scheduled.
GOP presidential candidates Mike Huckabee and Ted Cruz are scheduled to attend the rally in front of the Carter County Detention Center in Grayson, Kentucky.
Television images showed a large group of supporters assembled in front of the building, awaiting Davis’ release.
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