Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis returned to work Monday for the first time since she was jailed after being found in contempt of court when she refused to issue marriage licenses to gay couples citing her religious beliefs.
Davis, outside the Rowan County Courthouse, declared to a crowd of supporters, protesters and media that she wouldn't interfere with deputy clerks who issue licenses, but claims they won't be authorized by her and questioned their validity, according to Religion Views.
She also stated that she continues to face the impossible task of weighing her conscience against her freedom.
"I'm here before you this morning with a seemingly impossible choice that I do not wish upon any of my fellow Americans: my conscience or my freedom," Davis said, reading from a hand-written statement, according to the Associated Press.
She revealed that she wants to serve in the future but wants to have her name removed from any licenses that are handed out.
One clerk, Brian Mason, had been issuing licenses while Davis had been absent, reported Slate, however, her attorneys state that any licenses issued her brief stint in jail are invalid. They remained evasive about her plans, only saying that she still intends to maintain her conscience.
As reportedly previously by HNGN, U.S. District Judge David Bunning stated she would be sanctioned again if she violates the conditions of her release (not to interfere with the handing out of licenses) and ordered that the deputy clerks and Davis' attorneys will be required to file a status report every two weeks to show Davis is complying with the order.
Even if she chooses to neither actively impede or aid the passing of gay marriage licenses, the act of removing her name, thus removing her authorization, from the licenses, might be viewed negatively by the judge.
