instaPoll: Kentucky County Clerk Jailed

Recently, Kim Davis, a Kentucky county clerk, sought an accommodation in issuing marriage licenses bearing her name on the grounds of her religious convictions. This request came after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges required all states to recognize same-sex marriages – overruling the marriage laws of Kentucky and over 30 other states. A complaint was filed against Kim Davis by a same-sex couple seeking to obtain a marriage license from their county. After Davis refused to sign the marriage license, the judge found her in contempt of court and ordered her to jail where she remained for six days.  In a statement, Davis wrote, "to issue a marriage license which conflicts with God's definition of marriage, with my name affixed to the certificate, would violate my conscience." Liberty Counsel, the organization providing representation for Davis, cited the Kentucky Religious Freedom Restoration Act as her defense. This statute prohibits the state government from substantially burdening an individual's freedom of religion unless the government both proves it has a compelling interest in doing so, and has used the least restrictive means to do it. Our nation has a long history of protecting religious freedom for individuals of all faiths by balancing workplace accommodations with the needs and interests of employers. This case has raised a national debate over whether or not the United States, as a free and constitutionally-governed nation, will require those with religious objections to disqualify themselves from certain jobs and public service opportunities, or whether options should be provided that support the rights and beliefs of all Americans. Question of the Week: In light of Kim Davis' case, which comes closest to your view? (  ) A government employee should be able to seek reasonable accommodations at work for their sincere religious beliefs that balance rule of law and First Amendment protections. (  ) A government employee should be required to perform all aspects of the job without accommodation, or else seek other employment. (  ) I don't know. (  ) Other. Take the Poll here. Find the results of last week's InstaPoll here.

 

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