Who is Kim Davis and what is she primarily known for?

Kim Davis is an American former county clerk for Rowan County, Kentucky. She gained international attention in August 2015 for her refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, defying a U.S. federal court order.

When did Kim Davis serve as the Clerk of Rowan County, Kentucky?

Kim Davis served as the Clerk of Rowan County, Kentucky, from January 5, 2015, to January 7, 2019.

What was Kim Davis's political party affiliation before and after 2015?

Kim Davis was affiliated with the Democratic Party from 1983 until 2015. After 2015, she switched her affiliation to the Republican Party.

What significant Supreme Court decision prompted Kim Davis's refusal to issue marriage licenses?

The Supreme Court's landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, delivered on June 26, 2015, legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. This ruling mandated that all county clerks in Kentucky, including Kim Davis, issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

What reason did Kim Davis give for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples?

Davis cited personal religious objections to same-sex marriage as her reason for refusing to issue the licenses. She stated that issuing a license that conflicted with her understanding of God's definition of marriage would violate her conscience.

How did Kim Davis's refusal to issue marriage licenses escalate?

After defying a federal court order to issue the licenses, Davis was held in contempt of court and jailed for five days. She continued her refusal even after her release, leading to further legal challenges.

What was the outcome of the lawsuit Miller v. Davis?

The lawsuit Miller v. Davis was filed by six couples who were denied marriage licenses by Kim Davis. This case, along with others, led to court orders for Davis to issue the licenses and ultimately resulted in her jailing for contempt of court.

What action did Kim Davis take regarding the marriage license forms after her release from jail?

Upon returning to work after her jail time, Kim Davis modified the Kentucky marriage license forms used in her office. These altered forms no longer mentioned her name, effectively removing her personal authorization from the documents.

Who represented Kim Davis legally during the same-sex marriage license controversy?

Kim Davis was represented by attorneys from the Maitland, Florida-based law firm Liberty Counsel.

What was the reaction of Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear to Kim Davis's actions?

Governor Steve Beshear ordered all Kentucky county clerks to issue same-sex marriage licenses immediately. He stated that he would not call a special session of the General Assembly to address Davis's concerns and that he lacked the legal authority to remove her from office or relieve her of her duties.

What was the U.S. Supreme Court's decision regarding Kim Davis's appeal?

On August 31, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Kim Davis's emergency application to appeal the lower court's ruling, which prevented her from legally continuing to deny marriage licenses.

What was the legal basis for holding Kim Davis in contempt of court?

Judge David L. Bunning held Kim Davis in contempt of court because she continued to defy his order to issue marriage licenses to all legally eligible couples, despite the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear her appeal.

What happened to the marriage license forms issued by Davis's deputy clerks after her jailing?

After Kim Davis was jailed, her deputy clerks began issuing marriage licenses to all couples. The licenses issued during her absence were authorized by 'the office of the Rowan County Clerk' but no longer bore her name.

How did Kim Davis's personal life and religious beliefs intersect with her public stance?

Davis experienced a religious awakening in 2011 and identifies as a Christian belonging to the Apostolic Pentecostal movement, which emphasizes a literal interpretation of the Bible. Her personal transformation led her to adopt more conservative dress and practices, and she stated her religious beliefs prevented her from issuing marriage licenses that conflicted with her interpretation of marriage.

What was the response from prominent figures and organizations to Kim Davis's controversy?

Reactions were mixed. Some, like Roberta A. Kaplan, criticized her use of religious liberty to discriminate. Others, like Mike Huckabee, supported her, calling her jailing the 'criminalization of Christianity.' Legal experts generally asserted she had no legal standing to refuse the licenses.

Did other court clerks in the U.S. refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples?

Yes, other court clerks, particularly probate judges in several Alabama counties, also stopped issuing marriage licenses altogether to avoid discrimination or to protest the Supreme Court's ruling. However, the ACLU did not pursue legal action against these other clerks.

What was the outcome of Kim Davis's reelection campaign in 2018?

Kim Davis ran for reelection in 2018 as a Republican but was defeated by Democratic challenger Elwood Caudill Jr. by a margin of over 8 percentage points.

What was the significance of Governor Matt Bevin's executive order regarding marriage licenses?

Shortly after taking office, Governor Matt Bevin issued an executive order to remove county clerks' names from state marriage licenses. This action was intended to accommodate religious objections, and Davis's attorneys used it to request the dismissal of her appeals, arguing the case was moot.

What legal fees were associated with Kim Davis's case, and who was responsible for them?

After the lawsuits were dismissed due to the governor's executive order, plaintiff couples sought to recoup legal fees. A federal appeals court later ruled that damages claims were not moot, and Judge Bunning ordered the state of Kentucky to pay $222,000 in legal fees. Later, a jury ordered Davis personally to pay $100,000 in damages, and Bunning added $260,000 in attorneys' fees, though Davis's lawyers intended to appeal.

How did Kim Davis's actions impact her public image and popular culture?

Davis became the subject of numerous satirical works, including parody videos and social media accounts. She was portrayed on 'Saturday Night Live,' and celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence commented on her actions, reflecting the significant public attention and debate her stance generated.

What was the nature of the threats Kim Davis received?

Following the controversy, Kim Davis's office reported receiving numerous death threats via phone and email. These threats led to increased security measures around her office and personal life.

What was Kim Davis's stance on the Bible and end times?

Davis stated she believed the Bible to be infallible and expressed the view that 'we are living in end times.' This reflects the deeply held religious convictions that underpinned her refusal to issue marriage licenses.

What specific changes did Kim Davis make to her personal appearance and lifestyle after her religious awakening?

Following her religious conversion in 2011, Davis grew her hair long, stopped wearing makeup and jewelry, and began wearing skirts and dresses below the knee, adhering to tenets of outward holiness and modest dress within the Apostolic Pentecostal tradition.

What was the outcome of the legal challenges regarding the payment of legal fees in the Kim Davis case?

Initially, a judge ordered the state of Kentucky to pay $222,000 in legal fees for the couples who sued Davis. However, Governor Bevin later contested this, stating Davis should bear the cost. Ultimately, a jury awarded damages and attorneys' fees against Davis personally, and her lawyers sought to overturn these decisions, including a petition to the Supreme Court to reconsider *Obergefell v. Hodges*.

What was the Vatican's official statement regarding Pope Francis's meeting with Kim Davis?

The Holy See Press Office issued a statement clarifying that the Pope did not delve into the specifics of Davis's situation and that the meeting should not be interpreted as support for her particular stance. Vatican spokespersons suggested the meeting might have been manipulated by Davis and her lawyer.

What did Pope Francis say generally about conscientious objection during his visit?

Pope Francis affirmed that conscientious objection is a right inherent to human rights and must be respected within judicial structures. He stated that denying someone the right to be a conscientious objector would be a denial of a fundamental right.

How did Kim Davis's political affiliation change, and when did this occur?

Kim Davis switched her political party affiliation from Democratic to Republican shortly after the same-sex marriage license controversy gained national attention in 2015.

What was the initial salary of Kim Davis as Rowan County Clerk?

In 2015, Kim Davis received an annual salary of $80,000 as the Rowan County Clerk.

What was Kim Davis's role before becoming County Clerk?

Before being elected County Clerk, Kim Davis served as the chief deputy clerk of Rowan County from 1991 to 2015, working under her mother, Jean W. Bailey.

What was the margin of victory for Kim Davis in the 2014 Democratic primary?

Kim Davis narrowly won the 2014 Democratic primary election by 23 votes against her opponent, Elwood Caudill Jr.

What was the outcome of the 2018 general election for Rowan County Clerk?

In the 2018 general election, Kim Davis was defeated by Democratic challenger Elwood Caudill Jr., losing her bid for reelection.

What specific legal argument did Davis's lawyers make regarding the plaintiffs in the lawsuits against her?

Davis's lawyers argued that the lawsuits were not about the plaintiffs' desire to marry, but rather about their desire to force Kim Davis to approve their marriages against her constitutionally protected religious beliefs.

What was the rationale provided by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals when refusing to extend the stay on Davis's orders?

The three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously stated that a clerk cannot decline to act in accordance with the United States Constitution, indicating a low likelihood of Davis prevailing on appeal.

What was the specific wording of Judge Bunning's release order for Kim Davis?

Judge Bunning's order stated that 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.' It also warned that any interference would be considered a violation and subject to sanctions.

What was the nature of the lawsuit filed by Mark Sevier against Kim Davis in July 2017?

In July 2017, Mark Sevier, a law school graduate, sued Kim Davis after being denied a license to marry a laptop computer, a case that was dismissed and compared to a similar Florida lawsuit.

What was the final legal outcome regarding Kim Davis's violation of constitutional rights?

In March 2022, a judge ruled that Davis had violated the constitutional rights of plaintiffs in both the *Miller* and *Ermold* cases, stating that she could not use her own constitutional rights as a shield to violate the rights of others while performing her official duties.

What did Kim Davis's lawyers file with the U.S. Supreme Court in July 2025?

In July 2025, Davis's lawyers filed a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court, asking it to overturn the Sixth Circuit ruling that upheld the lower court's decision and also to overturn the landmark *Obergefell* decision itself.

What was the basis for the Kentucky Attorney General's ruling on Davis's violation of the Open Records Act?

The Attorney General's Office determined that Davis had violated the Open Records Act because her conduct intentionally frustrated the review of public records requests, thereby subverting the intent of the law.

What was Kim Davis's stated reason for not resigning when faced with the court order?

Davis stated that if she resigned, she would solve nothing and it would help nobody, implying that her deputies would simply continue issuing licenses without her personal involvement, thus not resolving the core issue for her.

How did Kim Davis's son, Nathan Davis, follow her stance?

Nathan Davis, who worked in his mother's office as a deputy clerk, also took the position of denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples, mirroring his mother's stance.

What was the public response to Kim Davis's jailing, according to a YouGov survey?

A September 2015 YouGov survey found that 56% of American adults supported Judge Bunning's decision to jail Davis for contempt of court, while 31% opposed it. The survey also indicated that 65% believed Davis should resign.

What was the specific claim made by Davis's lawyers regarding the ACLU's lawsuit?

Davis's lawyers claimed that the ACLU's lawsuit was not about the plaintiffs' desire to marry, but rather about forcing Kim Davis to approve their marriages in violation of her religious beliefs.

What was Kim Davis's salary in 2011 as chief deputy clerk?

In 2011, Kim Davis earned $51,812 in wages as chief deputy clerk, with an additional $11,301 in overtime and other compensation.

What was the primary argument made by legal experts regarding Kim Davis's refusal to issue licenses?

Many legal experts asserted that Davis had no legal standing to refuse to issue marriage licenses, as her role as a public servant required her to uphold the law, regardless of personal religious objections.

What did Kim Davis say about living in 'end times'?

In a January 2016 interview, Kim Davis expressed her belief that 'we are living in end times,' reflecting her deeply held religious convictions.

What was the outcome of the lawsuit filed by the ACLU to recover legal fees?

The ACLU's motion to recover $233,000 in legal fees from Kim Davis was denied because the organization was not considered a 'prevailing party' in the legal action.

What specific changes were made to the marriage license forms after Davis's jail time?

The altered forms removed Davis's name and reference to the clerk's office, instead stating they were issued 'Pursuant to Federal Court Order #15-CV-44 DLB.' The title 'deputy clerk' was also changed to 'notary public'.

Kim Davis Wiki: The Davis Doctrine: Conscience, Law, and the Clerk's Office

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Biographical Overview

Early Life and Background

Kimberly Jean Davis, née Bailey, was born on September 17, 1965, in Morehead, Kentucky. Her early career in public service began within the Rowan County Clerk's office, where she served as chief deputy clerk for over two decades, reporting to her mother, Jean W. Bailey, who held the position of County Clerk.

Entry into Public Office

Following her mother's decision not to seek re-election, Davis entered the political arena. She successfully ran as a Democratic candidate for Rowan County Clerk in 2014, narrowly defeating Elwood Caudill Jr. in the primary. Her campaign emphasized her extensive 26-year tenure in the clerk's office, promising diligent service and responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds.

Compensation and Early Concerns

During her tenure as chief deputy clerk, Davis's compensation, including wages and overtime, was substantial. Reports indicated she earned more than other chief deputies in the county. This led to complaints from some county employees and residents regarding the clerk's office budget, prompting a reduction in the allocated funds for wages by the Fiscal Court.

County Clerk Tenure

Term of Service

Kim Davis officially assumed the role of Rowan County Clerk on January 5, 2015, commencing a four-year term scheduled to conclude on January 7, 2019. Her annual salary during this period was approximately $80,000.

Predecessor and Successor

Davis succeeded Jean W. Bailey, her mother, in the office of Rowan County Clerk. Following her defeat in the 2018 general election, Elwood Caudill Jr., whom she had previously defeated in the 2014 Democratic primary, took over the position.

The Marriage License Controversy

Legal Precedent and Religious Objection

The controversy ignited following the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges on June 26, 2015, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. As a county clerk, Davis was legally obligated to issue marriage licenses to all eligible couples. However, citing deeply held religious beliefs rooted in her Apostolic Pentecostal faith, Davis refused to issue licenses to same-sex couples, asserting that doing so would violate her conscience and biblical principles.

Defiance and Legal Action

Davis's refusal extended to denying licenses to all couples, rather than selectively issuing them only to opposite-sex couples. This defiance led to multiple lawsuits, including Miller v. Davis, filed by couples represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other legal counsel. Despite court orders from U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning, including a temporary stay and subsequent appeals, Davis persisted in her refusal.

Contempt of Court and Incarceration

On September 3, 2015, Judge Bunning found Kim Davis in contempt of court for her continued defiance of federal orders. She was subsequently jailed in the Carter County Detention Center. Her incarceration lasted five days, with her release conditioned on her not interfering with her deputy clerks' efforts to issue marriage licenses to all legally eligible couples.

Return to Office and Modified Forms

Upon her release, Davis returned to her duties but maintained her stance against personally issuing licenses to same-sex couples. She instructed her deputy clerks to use altered license forms that omitted her name and title, a move that drew further legal scrutiny from the ACLU. While the altered forms were deemed likely legal by Judge Bunning, the underlying legal battles over damages and fees continued.

Public and Political Reactions

Legal and Ethical Perspectives

Legal experts largely asserted that Davis, as an elected official sworn to uphold the Constitution, could not legally refuse to perform her duties based on personal religious objections. Figures like Columbia Law professor Katherine Franke argued that her religious beliefs were irrelevant to her official function. Comparisons were drawn to historical figures like Alabama Governor George Wallace, who resisted federal desegregation orders.

Political Support and Opposition

Davis garnered significant support from various conservative political figures and organizations, including presidential candidates Mike Huckabee and Ted Cruz, who framed her actions as a defense of religious freedom against "judicial tyranny." Conversely, many political leaders, including then-Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, emphasized the principle that no public official is above the law.

Papal Encounter and Vatican Clarification

In a notable development, Davis met with Pope Francis during his 2015 visit to the United States. Davis and her legal team interpreted the meeting as papal support for her stance. However, the Holy See Press Office later issued a statement clarifying that the meeting did not constitute an endorsement of her specific position, emphasizing the Pope's broader support for conscientious objection as a human right.

Political Landscape

Party Affiliation Shift

Following the intense public scrutiny and controversy, Davis announced that she and her husband had switched their party affiliation from Democratic to Republican. This move reflected a broader political alignment with conservative viewpoints on religious freedom and social issues.

Electoral Defeat

Davis sought re-election in 2018, this time as a Republican candidate. However, she was defeated in the general election by Democrat Elwood Caudill Jr., who had previously challenged her in the 2014 Democratic primary. This electoral outcome marked the end of her tenure as Rowan County Clerk.

Legal Fees and Damages

The legal ramifications of Davis's actions continued beyond her term. Court rulings mandated that the state of Kentucky cover significant legal fees awarded to the plaintiffs. Davis herself was later ordered by a jury to pay substantial damages to David Ermold and David Moore for emotional distress, a decision her legal team vowed to appeal, even seeking to challenge the Obergefell ruling itself.

Personal Life and Beliefs

Marital History

Davis has been married four times to three different husbands. Her marital history, including divorces and remarriages, has been noted in public discourse, with some commentators questioning the application of her religious convictions in light of her personal life experiences.

Religious Awakening and Tenets

Davis attributes a profound religious awakening in 2011 to her current faith. She identifies with the Apostolic Pentecostal movement, which emphasizes a literal interpretation of the Bible and tenets of outward holiness, including modest dress and abstention from makeup and jewelry. She actively participates in church services and leads a weekly Bible study for female inmates.

Views on End Times

In interviews, Davis has expressed her belief that society is living in "end times" and views the Bible as infallible. Her convictions strongly inform her public stance on issues related to marriage and religious freedom.

Electoral History

Election Results

The following tables detail Kim Davis's electoral performance in Rowan County.

2014 Rowan County Clerk Democratic Primary

Party	Candidate	Votes	%
Democratic	Kim Davis	1,817	46.2%
Democratic	Elwood Caudill Jr.	1,794	45.6%
Democratic	Charlotte Combess	322	8.2%

2014 Rowan County Clerk General Election

Party	Candidate	Votes	%
Democratic	Kim Davis	3,909	53.2%
Republican	John C. Cox	3,444	46.8%

Democratic hold.

2018 Rowan County Clerk Republican Primary

Party	Candidate	Votes	%
Republican	Kim Davis (Incumbent)	Unopposed	100%

2018 Rowan County Clerk General Election

Party	Candidate	Votes	%
Democratic	Elwood Caudill Jr.	4,210	54.14%
Republican	Kim Davis (Incumbent)	3,566	45.86%

Democratic gain from Republican.

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References

Chief Deputy Sheriff Joe Cline received $38,000 annually and Deputy Judge-Executive Jerry Alderman $36,000 annually; neither received overtime pay.

Ermold v. Davis, PacerMonitor (Kentucky Eastern District Court July 10, 2015).

Ermold v. Davis, PlainSite (Kentucky Eastern District Court July 10, 2015).

Ermold v. Davis, Justia (Kentucky Eastern District Court July 10, 2015).

Yates v. Davis, PacerMonitor (Kentucky Eastern District Court August 25, 2015).

Yates v. Davis, PlainSite (Kentucky Eastern District Court August 25, 2015).

Yates v. Davis, Justia (Kentucky Eastern District Court August 25, 2015).

A full list of references for this article are available at the Kim Davis Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not legal or religious advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional legal consultation, religious guidance, or advice from qualified professionals. Always consult with appropriate experts for specific legal, ethical, or religious matters.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Davis Doctrine

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biographical Overview 👤

📅 Early Life and Background

🏛️ Entry into Public Office

💰 Compensation and Early Concerns

County Clerk Tenure 💼

🗓️ Term of Service

⚖️ Predecessor and Successor

The Marriage License Controversy ⚖️

📜 Legal Precedent and Religious Objection

🚫 Defiance and Legal Action

🔒 Contempt of Court and Incarceration

🔄 Return to Office and Modified Forms

Public and Political Reactions 📢

🗣️ Legal and Ethical Perspectives

🇺🇸 Political Support and Opposition

🇻🇦 Papal Encounter and Vatican Clarification

Political Landscape 🗳️

➡️ Party Affiliation Shift

📉 Electoral Defeat

⚖️ Legal Fees and Damages

Personal Life and Beliefs ❤️

💍 Marital History

✝️ Religious Awakening and Tenets

🔮 Views on End Times

Electoral History 📜

📊 Election Results

2014 Rowan County Clerk Democratic Primary

2014 Rowan County Clerk General Election

2018 Rowan County Clerk Republican Primary

2018 Rowan County Clerk General Election

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📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biographical Overview

Early Life and Background

Entry into Public Office

Compensation and Early Concerns

County Clerk Tenure

Term of Service

Predecessor and Successor

The Marriage License Controversy

Legal Precedent and Religious Objection

Defiance and Legal Action

Contempt of Court and Incarceration

Return to Office and Modified Forms

Public and Political Reactions

Legal and Ethical Perspectives

Political Support and Opposition

Papal Encounter and Vatican Clarification

Political Landscape

Party Affiliation Shift

Electoral Defeat

Legal Fees and Damages

Personal Life and Beliefs

Marital History

Religious Awakening and Tenets

Views on End Times

Electoral History

Election Results

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice