In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's legalizing same-sex marriage in the nation, McDonald County Clerk Kimberly Bell, said she will contact the governor's office regarding a response.
Governor Jay Nixon wrote in a statement, "In the coming days, I will be taking all necessary and appropriate actions to ensure this decision is implemented throughout the state of Missouri."
Texas and Alabama have raised the loudest protests against the Supreme Court decision. Although same-sex marriage was legal in Alabama before Friday thanks to a federal court decision, state Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, who has remained notoriously resilient in his opposition, maintains that last week's high court decision does not mark the end of his fight.
The 5-4 ruling in favor of same-sex marriage sparked an outcry from some members of the GOP and conservative leaders who claim that religious beliefs are under attack.
Republican presidential contender Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said that the rulings on state bans on same-sex marriage constituted "naked and shameless judicial activism" that has "undermined the fundamental legitimacy of the United States Supreme Court."
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who is expected to soon declare his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination, also slammed the ruling and called for the passage of a constitutional amendment that would allow states to define marriage.
Walker urged President Obama and political leaders across the country "to join me in reassuring millions of Americans that the government will not force them to participate in activities that violate their deeply held religious beliefs."
Defying the law, several county clerks around Kentucky said they won't issue marriage licenses to anyone because of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling Friday.
Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis said Monday that her Christian beliefs make it impossible for her to give marriage licenses to gay men or lesbians seeking to marry a member of the same sex. Rather than face claims of discrimination, Davis said, her office in Morehead is refusing marriage licenses to all couples until further notice.
"We've not had any applicants yet, but we've had several calls," said Davis, a Democrat who took office in January.
"It's hard, I will tell you that," Davis said. "What has happened is that five lawyers have imposed their personal view of what the definition of marriage should be on the rest of us. And I, as a Christian, have strong views, too. And I know I don't stand alone."
Community on 07/02/2015