Kim Davis returned to work today, but didn’t interfere with her deputy clerk’s actions when it came to a same-sex marriage license. She still thinks that any license without her signature will be void, but anyone with a rudimentary level of reading can tell that isn’t true. The Kentucky statute that governs such matters is clear and easy to comprehend. The judge was smart to jail her and get her out of her office so that he clerks could feel free to act, without retaliation. In this way, the situation is an example of democracy and the rule of law working, ad the Kim Davis circus is done, even if it is far from over. Once the first marriage license was issued while she was in jail, the end was close, and the actions of today sealed it. But it is far from over.
Mark my words– Kim Davis will continue to impact American politics up to and possibly past next year’s presidential election. We are already seeing parts of this as at least three different GOP candidates have weighed in on what Kim should or shouldn’t do. I’m not saying it will cause the election to turn out a certain way. I just mean, we will continue to hear about Davis and the “religious liberty” trope. Heck, Rick Santorum doesn’t think the US Supreme Court’s decision is the ‘law of the land.’
If today was any indication, a new type of strategy has begun for the anti-LGBTQ crazies. Davis supporters today were busy quoting scripture and preaching hell and damnation to a couple as they went to get their license. Reading about the scene reminded me of the atmosphere of hatred and intimidation that anti-choice activists create around Planned Parenthood clinics. The tactic can only be described as bullying and intimidation. I’m just not sure it is going to be as effective in stopping someone from getting a marriage license.
I read one article today which rightfully cited queer youth as some of the folks that will be most easily harmed by this ongoing Christian bullying. Adults may not like the vitriol, lies and misinformation being spread, but we are more able to tune it out and go about our business. Youth, especially youth within highly religious families are most vulnerable, and the community needs to make protecting youth a top priority.
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