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The unapologetic Rowan County clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples was released from custody on Tuesday afternoon.
The disgraced Rowan County clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples was released from custody on Tuesday afternoon.
US District Judge David Bunning ordered Kim Davis to be released from jail but ordered the clerk not to interfere with the issuing of gay marriage licenses.
The conservative martyr status of Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk charged with contempt of court last Thursday, rose as two 2016 presidential hopefuls planned to visit her.
#KimDavis is a free woman. She's standing next to Mike Huckabee. pic.twitter.com/3U3AcwXLCx
The Associated Press reports that former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, along with dozens of supporters, are set to meet with the disgraced clerk who spent her Labor Day behind bars.
Fox59 reports that the judge said that Ms Davis would face sanctions if she continued to violate the order.
US District Judge David Bunning lifted the order and ordered Ms Davis released. Judge Bunning ordered her not to interfere with the issuing of gay marriage licenses.
"Defendant Davis shall be released from the custody of the U.S. Marshal forthwith. Defendant Davis shall not interfere in any way, directly or indirectly, with the efforts of her deputy clerks to issue marriage licenses to all legally eligible couples," he wrote.
Ms Davis previously refused to issue the licenses to same-sex couples because of her religious beliefs after the US Supreme Court effectively legalized gay marriage.
"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."
The conservative martyr status of Ms Davis, the Kentucky clerk charged with contempt of court last Thursday, rose as two 2016 presidential hopefuls planned to visit her.
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, along with dozens of supporters, planned to meet with the clerk who spent her Labor Day behind bars.
"If somebody needs to go to jail, I'm willing to go in her place," said Mr Huckabee, the fading Republican who's dipped further into the polls at 4 percent, according the Real Clear Politics.
.@SenTedCruz also at the detention center where Kentucky clerk Kim Davis is being held pic.twitter.com/V0GijVrZwl
Mike Huckabee arrives at Carter Co Detention Center @heraldleader pic.twitter.com/l0F0nA1zEZ
Ms Davis previously refused to issue the licenses to same-sex couples because of her religious beliefs after the US Supreme Court effectively legalised gay marriage.
BBC reports that because Ms Davis is an elected official, she cannot be fired from her position. The clerk could be impeached but the Kentucky legislature is not currently in session.
