Rowan County has filed a response to a lawsuit against the county and its clerk, Kim Davis, who stopped issuing marriage licenses after the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is legal.
The county says it can’t be held liable for Davis’ actions, noting that the clerk “performs a state function and does not act on behalf of, or set policy for, the county.”
Davis and her attorneys say that her actions are protected by state and federal religious freedom laws, which prevent the state from burdening an individual’s religious beliefs. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are seeking damages against the county and Davis.
Rowan County is one of at least two counties that have stopped issuing marriage licenses after the Supreme Court ruling.
A ruling in the suit should come the week of August 11.
