Elections Have Consequences … and This is a Good Outcome

Elections have consequences; and this is a good outcome.  When Governor-elect Matt Bevin (Republican) is sworn in, Kentucky clerks who oppose same-sex ‘marriage’ will no longer have to violate their conscience in issuing marriage licenses.  Bevin told reporters, “One thing I will take care of right away is we will remove the names of the county clerks from the marriage form.”

Rather than go through the state legislature to accomplish this, as outgoing Democratic Governor Steve Beshear suggested, Bevin will instead issue an executive order.

It was unclear what effect his order would have on the case of Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis, who was jailed for 5-days after refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples … making Kentucky a focal point in the debate over gay ‘marriage’ in the United States.  Davis met with Bevin the day she was released from jail.

Davis took steps to remove her name and title from the forms after she was released.  She also had repeatedly urged current Gov. Beshear to remove clerk names from the form or provide another type of relief so she would not violate her Christian beliefs.

Beshear has said he had no authority to relieve county clerks of their statutory duties by executive order and the issue could be addressed by the state legislature, which reconvenes in January.

One of Davis’ attorneys welcomed the news that Bevin would be “protecting the rights of conscience.”  Matt Staver, Davis’ legal counsel said, “Governor-elect Bevin’s impending executive order is a welcome relief for Kim Davis and should be for everyone who cherishes religious freedom.”

Thank God for an elected official who respects the religious liberties of their constituents.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel