Kim Davis
Updated: 12/11/2025, 8:41:28 AM Wikipedia source
Kimberly Jean Davis (née Bailey; born September 17, 1965) is an American former county clerk for Rowan County, Kentucky, serving from January 2015 to January 2019. She gained public attention in August 2015 when she defied a U.S. federal court order to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Davis was elected Rowan County Clerk in 2014 and started her four-year term in January 2015. In June 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States decided Obergefell v. Hodges, and all county clerks in Kentucky were ordered to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Citing personal religious objections to same-sex marriage, Davis began denying marriage licenses to all couples to avoid issuing them to same-sex couples. A lawsuit, Miller v. Davis, was filed, and Davis was ordered by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky to start issuing marriage licenses. She appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, but the application to appeal was denied. Davis continued to defy the court order by refusing to issue marriage licenses "under God's authority"; she was ultimately jailed for contempt of court and was ordered to pay $360,000 to the same-sex couple who she refused to marry. Davis was released after five days in jail under the condition that she not interfere with the efforts of her deputy clerks, who had begun issuing marriage licenses to all couples in her absence. Davis then modified the Kentucky marriage licenses used in her office so that they no longer mentioned her name. Davis's actions drew strong and mixed reactions from prominent politicians, legal experts, and religious leaders. Attorney and author Roberta A. Kaplan described Davis as "the clearest example of someone who wants to use a religious liberty argument to discriminate", while law professor Eugene Volokh maintained that an employer must try to accommodate religious employees' beliefs. Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said that Davis's imprisonment was part of the "criminalization of Christianity", while Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin compared Davis's refusal to obey the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to Alabama Governor George Wallace's "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door" in 1963. A few weeks after her release from jail, Davis met with Pope Francis in Washington, D.C. The Holy See Press Office later noted that the pope met with many others and said that the meeting was not a form of support for Davis's actions. She has been satirized in popular culture; she was parodied in a Funny or Die video, as well as on Saturday Night Live. She was defeated by Democratic challenger Elwood Caudill Jr. in the November 6, 2018, election and vacated the office on January 7, 2019.
Infobox
Preceded by
Jean W. Bailey
Succeeded by
Elwood Caudill Jr.
Born
Kimberly Jean Bailey (1965-09-17) September 17, 1965 (age 60)Morehead, Kentucky, U.S.
Political party
mw- Democratic (1983–2015)Republican (after 2015)
Spouses
mw- Dwain Wallace (m. 1984; div. 1994) Joe Davis (m. 1996; div. 2006) (m. 2009) Thomas McIntryre (m. 2007; div. 2008)
Children
4
Known for
Refusal to comply with a federal court order directing her to issue marriage licenses following Obergefell v. Hodges
Party
mw- Democratic (1983–2015)Republican (after 2015)
Tables
2014 Rowan County County Clerk Democratic primary election[227] · Electoral history
| 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 County Clerk general election[228] · Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
| Democratic | Kim Davis | 3,909 | 53.2% | ||
| Republican | John C. Cox | 3,444 | 46.8% | ||
| Democratic hold | |||||
2018 Rowan County County Clerk Republican primary election[229] · Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
| Republican | Kim Davis | Unopposed | |||
2018 Rowan County County Clerk general election[230] · Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
| Democratic | Elwood Caudill Jr. | 4,210 | 54.14% | ||
| Republican | Kim Davis (Incumbent) | 3,566 | 45.86% | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | |||||
References
- Chief Deputy Sheriff Joe Cline received $38,000 annually and Deputy Judge-Executive Jerry Alderman $36,000 annually; nei
- Liberty Counsel had already entered the debate over same-sex marriage by representing the eleven Alabama probate judges
- After Davis's release from jail, the Oath Keepers—an armed right-wing militia group—offered to provide a "security detai
- The form alterations that the ACLU objected to were: 1. The phrase "in the office of" is struck. 2. The phrase "county c
- Reutershttps://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-gaymarriage-kentucky-idUSKCN0RP20M20150925
- "Clerk in Ky. marriage fight has turbulent marital history"http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kentucky-clerk-same-sex-marriage-kim-davis-turbulent-marital-history/
- U.S. News & World Reporthttps://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2015/09/02/clerk-in-gay-marriage-fight-once-unlikely-to-wage-moral-war
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/02/us/same-sex-marriage-kentucky-kim-davis.html?smid=pl-share
- HuffPosthttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/kentucky-clerk-gay-marriage-license_us_55e5a2bfe4b0b7a9633a2303
- NPRhttps://www.npr.org/2025/11/10/nx-s1-5604293/scotus-rejects-gay-marriage-appeal
- Bay Area Reporterhttps://web.archive.org/web/20171018192333/http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=70989
- "Kim Davis released, but judge bars her from withholding marriage licenses: At rally, Republican presidential hopeful takes center stage"http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/08/politics/kim-davis-same-sex-marriage-kentucky/
- The Courier-Journalhttp://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2015/09/02/ky-clerk-kim-davis-stands-firm-amid-ridicule/71604706/
- Reutershttps://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-gaymarriage-kentucky-idUSKCN0R60UY20150906
- The Morehead Newshttps://web.archive.org/web/20190301160307/https://www.themoreheadnews.com/news/local_news/county-clerk-s-office-budget-reduced-first-time/article_d700d7ff-7041-5c92-ae21-c8454437230f.html
- The Morehead Newshttps://web.archive.org/web/20170709081025/http://www.themoreheadnews.com/archives/blevins-wins-judge-executive-nomination/article_8671660e-c3eb-51d1-8f55-f232e66c2094.html
- The Morehead Newshttps://web.archive.org/web/20190711042737/https://www.themoreheadnews.com/news/local_news/primary-candidates-featured-at-forum/article_8a5812f2-1162-5350-a1ff-289de550d081.html
- The Morehead Newshttps://web.archive.org/web/20170309085137/http://www.themoreheadnews.com/news/local_news/davis-wins-squeaker-in-county-clerk-s-race/article_950beaca-3024-5bec-ad69-1140e4f502c8.html
- The Morehead Newshttps://web.archive.org/web/20180820112303/http://www.themoreheadnews.com/news/local_news/county-clerk-s-race-more-contested-than-usual/article_1bbd5592-55fe-11e4-8f89-377bb4c40dd9.html
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/02/us/kentucky-clerk-a-local-fixture-suddenly-becomes-a-national-symbol.html?smid=pl-share
- The Morehead Newshttps://web.archive.org/web/20170830145345/http://www.themoreheadnews.com/news/local_news/davis-following-her-mother-as-county-clerk/article_29982458-6689-11e4-ad6b-172bf9700635.html
- "Kentucky Clerk Won't Give Gay Couple Marriage License, Defying Order"https://www.foxnews.com/us/kentucky-clerk-wont-give-gay-couple-marriage-license-defying-order
- "Kentucky Constitution, Section 99"https://web.archive.org/web/20150904012829/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/legresou/constitu/099.htm
- USA Todayhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/09/01/ky-clerk-defies-court-refuses-issue-marriage-license-gays/71505008/
- Obergefell v. Hodgeshttps://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf
- SCOTUSbloghttp://www.scotusblog.com/2015/06/opinion-analysis-marriage-now-open-to-same-sex-couples/
- The New York Timeshttps://nyti.ms/1P9wiQW
- The Dallas Morning Newshttp://www.dallasnews.com/news/news/2015/07/10/rusk-county-clerk-resigns-to-keep-from-issuing-gay-marriage-licenses
- Obergefell v. Hodgeshttps://ballotpedia.org/Local_government_responses_to_Obergefell_v._Hodges
- WKMS-FMhttp://wkms.org/post/gov-steve-beshear-kentucky-will-recognize-same-sex-marriages-starting-today
- The Courier-Journalhttp://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2015/07/21/marriage-license-suit-vs-clerk-back-court/30319757/
- Williams, Petehttps://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/same-sex-marriage-kentucky-clerk-defies-supreme-court-turns-down-n419351
- USA Todayhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2015/09/03/rowan-county-ky-court-clerk-marriage-licenses-gays/71635794/
- Denied marriage license in Morehead, KY - Rowan Countyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU3yCvJWtDU
- The Advocatehttps://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2015/07/08/watch-cops-respond-kentucky-gay-couple-requesting-marriage-lic
- "Video of Rowan clerk denying same-sex couple's marriage license goes viral"https://web.archive.org/web/20160503050339/http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Video-of-Rowan-County-clerk-denying-same-sex-couple-a-marriage-license-goes-viral-312940421.html
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttp://www.kentucky.com/news/hot-topics/article42608967.html
- "Thousands Rally for Clerks Denying Gay Marriage Licenses"https://web.archive.org/web/20150828235615/http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Thousands-rally-for-clerks-denying-gay-marriage-licenses-322594382.html
- The Morehead Newshttp://www.themoreheadnews.com/news/local_news/court-of-appeals-denies-delay-davis-still-refuses/article_6b480876-4d80-11e5-85a8-135859b0bc5e.html
- "ACLU of Kentucky Files Class Action Suit Against Rowan County and its Clerk; Says Denial of Marriage Licenses to Same Gender and Opposite Gender Couples Unconstitutional"https://www.aclu.org/news/aclu-kentucky-files-class-action-suit-against-rowan-county-and-its-clerk
- Miller v. Davishttps://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/8647613/Miller_et_al_v_Davis_et_al
- Miller v. Davishttp://www.plainsite.org/dockets/2m8ak10k6/kentucky-eastern-district-court/miller-et-al-v-davis-et-al/
- Miller v. Davishttps://dockets.justia.com/docket/kentucky/kyedce/0:2015cv00044/78171
- Ermold v. Davishttps://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/8694432/Ermold_et_al_v_Davis_et_al
- Ermold v. Davishttp://www.plainsite.org/dockets/2mvj5qyf0/kentucky-eastern-district-court/ermold-et-al-v-davis-et-al/
- Ermold v. Davishttps://dockets.justia.com/docket/kentucky/kyedce/0:2015cv00046/78194
- Yates v. Davishttps://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/9236637/Yates_et_al_v_Davis_et_al
- Yates v. Davishttp://www.plainsite.org/dockets/2ncew0s1a/kentucky-eastern-district-court/yates-et-al-v-davis-et-al/
- Yates v. Davishttps://dockets.justia.com/docket/kentucky/kyedce/0:2015cv00062/78453
- The Courier-Journalhttp://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/ky-legislature/2015/09/02/stivers-asks-judge-not-punish-kim-davis/71608948/
- Slatehttp://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2015/08/31/kim_davis_and_the_liberty_counsel_anti_gay_group_is_bad_news.html
- "Anti-LGBT Hate Group to Represent Alabama Judges Refusing to Perform Same-Sex Marriages"https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2015/02/09/anti-lgbt-hate-group-represent-alabama-judges-refusing-perform-same-sex-marriages
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttp://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article44613963.html
- Daily Newshttp://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ky-clerk-suing-governor-same-sex-marriage-order-article-1.2315864
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/01/us/supreme-court-says-kentucky-clerk-must-let-gay-couples-marry.html?smid=pl-share
- "ACLU Wants Kentucky Clerk in Contempt of Court over Denying Gay Marriage Licenses"http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/31/politics/kentucky-gay-marriage-licenses-supreme-court/index.html
- The Morehead Newshttps://web.archive.org/web/20170309103939/http://www.themoreheadnews.com/news/kim-davis-issues-statement/article_adcd91c4-50c4-11e5-9a3f-37ac7706d52d.html
- The Courier-Journalhttp://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2015/09/01/rowan-courthouse-kim-davis/71504176/
- "Statement of Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis"http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20150902203448/http://www.lc.org/index.cfm?PID=14102&AlertID=1965
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttp://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article42611631.html
- "Kentucky Clerk's Request for a Stay Is Denied By U.S. Supreme Court"https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/08/31/436431204/kentucky-clerk-s-request-for-a-stay-is-denied-by-u-s-supreme-court
- The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/sep/02/kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-divorced-three-times
- HuffPosthttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/dan-savage-kim-davis_us_55e72786e4b0aec9f355722b
- U.S. News & World Reporthttps://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/09/01/kentucky-clerk-fighting-gay-marriage-has-wed-four-times
- "Defiant Kentucky county clerk to learn fate soon"http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-refusing-marry-same-sex-couples-could-learn-fate-thursday/
- WTVQ-DThttp://www.wtvq.com/2015/09/03/court-adjourned-kim-davis-jailed-for-contempt-of-court/
- "Kim Davis, Kentucky Clerk, Held in Contempt and Ordered to Jail"https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-held-contempt-court-n421126
- Mother Joneshttps://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2015/09/kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-contempt-court
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/04/us/kim-davis-same-sex-marriage.html?smid=pl-share
- The Raw Storyhttps://www.rawstory.com/2015/09/kim-daviss-son-refuses-to-issue-same-sex-marriage-licenses-after-mother-is-jailed/
- "Hundreds Attend Rally for Kim Davis at Carter County Detention Center"http://www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/Rowan-Clerk-Ordered-To-Issue-Marriage-Licenses-Again-323007901.html
- "After Kim Davis is jailed, clerk's office issues marriage license to gay couple"http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/04/politics/kentucky-clerk-same-sex-marriage-kim-davis/
- "Marriage licenses issued in Rowan Co. to same-sex couples"http://www.whas11.com/news/marriage-licenses-issued-in-rowan-co-to-same-sex-couples/169352742
- "Kim Davis appeals contempt of court ruling over same-sex marriage licenses"http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/06/politics/kim-davis-kentucky-clerk-same-sex-marriage/
- "Kim Davis asks Kentucky governor to free her in same-sex marriage case"http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/07/politics/kim-davis-same-sex-marriage-kentucky-governor/
- "Who is Kim Davis, Kentucky clerk jailed over same-sex marriage licenses?"http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/04/us/kim-davis-things-to-know/index.html
- The Ledger Independenthttp://www.maysville-online.com/news/local/blevins-to-run-for-rowan-judge-executive/article_3dec5c9d-fa24-5130-b83e-cf1e8b49da3d.html
- The Morehead Newshttps://web.archive.org/web/20180820112258/http://www.themoreheadnews.com/news/local_news/blevins-optimistic-davis-won-t-be-impeached/article_984e9e18-517f-11e5-918d-d3a14cba38b8.html
- "Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis Ordered Released from Jail"http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-released-from-jail/
- "Judge Orders Kim Davis Freed from Kentucky Jail"https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/judge-orders-kim-davis-freed-kentucky-jail-n423541
- "Just Before Big Rally, Kim Davis Is Released From Jail"https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/09/08/438587612/hours-before-big-rally-judge-orders-kim-davis-released
- The Washington Posthttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/09/08/kim-davis-released-from-jail-plus-more-on-her-requested-accommodation/
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttp://www.kentucky.com/news/state/kentucky/article42612906.html
- "Deputy Ky. clerk says he won't follow boss' defiance"http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-deputy-marriage-licenses-same-sex-couples/
- The Morehead Newshttps://web.archive.org/web/20190929004641/https://www.themoreheadnews.com/news/deputy-clerk-promises-to-keep-federal-court-order/article_65c1df2c-5702-11e5-97e2-b7a7e712dd45.html
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttp://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article42612753.html
- The Morehead Newshttps://web.archive.org/web/20190711062411/https://www.themoreheadnews.com/news/davis-supporters-call-for-removal-of-deputy-clerks/article_ef1b1ba6-5704-11e5-8fcf-e3ca8665c009.html
- The Morehead Newshttp://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-10/supporters-rally-behind-defiant-kentucky-clerk-kim-davis/6763660
- The Christian Science Monitorhttps://www.csmonitor.com/USA/USA-Update/2015/0912/Oath-Keepers-offer-Kim-Davis-a-security-detail-Who-are-they
- Chicago Tribunehttp://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-gay-marriage-licenses-20150911-story.html
- "Kim Davis Back at Work, But Remains Defiant"https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/09/14/440215241/kim-davis-back-at-work-but-remains-defiant
- Newsweekhttp://www.newsweek.com/kim-davis-altered-marriage-licenses-375866
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttp://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article45066093.html
- "Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis Obeying Orders in Gay Marriage Case, Judges Rules"https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-obeying-orders-gay-marriage-case-judges-n515896
- The Morehead Newshttps://web.archive.org/web/20190711054541/https://www.themoreheadnews.com/news/davis-put-to-test-early-couple-given-license/article_a08079d6-5b1f-11e5-a11f-df3bad1d0724.html
- "Kim Davis stands ground, but same-sex couple get marriage license"http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/14/politics/kim-davis-same-sex-marriage-kentucky/
- "Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis Says She Won't Stop Deputies on Marriage Licenses"https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-says-she-wont-stop-deputies-marriage-n426836
- The Courier-Journalhttp://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2015/09/02/kim-davis-lawyers-want-block-beshear-order/71597094/
- "Does Kim Davis, Kentucky Clerk Blocking Gay Marriages, Have Legal Grounds?"https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/does-kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-have-legal-leg-stand-n420606
- The Courier-Journalhttp://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2015/09/02/kim-davis-lawyers-want-block-beshear-order/71597094/
- Gazette Reviewhttps://web.archive.org/web/20151006182319/http://gazettereview.com/2015/09/kim-davis-released-from-jail/
- The Courier-Journalhttp://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/religion/2015/10/01/locals-condemn-praise-davis-visit-pope/73152938/
- Richmond Registerhttp://www.richmondregister.com/news/hundreds-pray-for-davis-at-carter-jail/article_2e1a54bc-5443-11e5-9311-17959f8b4ec8.html
- USA Todayhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/08/20/judge-dismisses-civil-suits-against-kim-davis/89043068/
- Reutershttps://www.reuters.com/article/us-kentucky-lgbt-idUSKCN0Z728Q
- The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/sep/03/tennessee-judge-denies-straight-couple-divorce-same-sex-marriage-ruling
- "Law Professor: Davis Can't Evoke Religion To Deny Marriage Licenses"https://www.npr.org/2015/09/01/436673707/law-professor-davis-cant-evoke-religion-to-deny-marriage-licenses
- The Washington Posthttps://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2015/09/04/trashing-the-rule-of-law/
- Boston Globehttps://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2015/09/03/renee-graham-kim-davis-follows-footsteps-george-wallace/4Hqsf6bhQoXMwhjLu0cMLO/story.html
- The Wall Street Journalhttps://www.wsj.com/articles/why-must-kim-davis-be-jailed-1441666727
- The Christian Posthttp://www.christianpost.com/news/will-more-clerks-be-going-to-jail-2nd-christian-kentucky-clerk-defies-ruling-to-issue-marriage-licenses-to-gay-couples-144556/
- The Washington Posthttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/09/04/when-does-your-religion-legally-excuse-you-from-doing-part-of-your-job/
- "Senate President Stivers files amicus brief in Rowan County clerk case"http://www.whas11.com/news/local/senate-president-stivers-files-amicus-brief-in-rowan-county-clerk-case/169327498
- "Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis Jailed for Her Conscience"https://archive.today/20150904013526/http://www.lc.org/index.cfm?PID=14100&PRID=1585
- Mediaitehttp://www.mediaite.com/online/josh-earnest-responds-to-ky-clerks-jailing-no-public-official-is-above-the-rule-of-law/
- The Courier-Journalhttp://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2015/09/03/beshear-firm-no-kim-davis-special-session/71662670/
- "Despite High Court Ruling, Kentucky Clerk Denies Marriage Licenses"https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/09/01/436557085/despite-high-court-ruling-kentucky-clerk-denies-gay-marriage-licences
- Northern Kentucky Tribunehttp://www.nkytribune.com/2015/09/beshear-kim-davis-future-in-courts-hands-i-have-no-legal-authority-to-remove-her-from-office/
- The Courier-Journalhttp://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2015/10/01/beshear-kim-daviss-legal-arguments-absurd/73135720/
- The Hillhttps://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/252739-clinton-officials-should-uphold-the-law/
- National Reviewhttp://www.nationalreview.com/article/423555/jeb-bush-kim-davis-sworn-uphold-law-joel-gehrke
- The Hillhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/sep/4/donald-trump-kim-davis-case-supreme-court-has-rule/
- "Donald Trump on Kentucky clerk: Same-sex marriage the 'law of the land'"http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/04/politics/donald-trump-gay-marriage-kentucky-clerk-kim-davis/
- ThinkProgresshttps://web.archive.org/web/20150905005547/http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/09/03/3698273/republican-candidates-anti-gay-kentucky-clerk/
- Talking Points Memohttp://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/ted-cruz-kim-davis-contempt
- The Hillhttps://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/252732-gop-candidates-blast-absurd-jailing-of-kentucky-marriage-clerk/
- WTVQ-DThttp://www.wtvq.com/2015/09/03/matt-bevin-responds-to-kim-daviss-arrest/
- "Matt Bevin calls on Governor Steve Beshear to uphold Kentuckians' individual liberties"https://web.archive.org/web/20150925124927/http://www.wbko.com/news/headlines/Matt-Bevin-calls-on-Governor-Steve-Beshear-to-uphold-Kentuckians-individual-liberties-313488111.html
- "Majority of public back jailing Kim Davis"https://today.yougov.com/news/2015/09/09/majority-public-back-jailing-kim-davis/
- "1000 Adult Interviews"https://d25d2506sfb94s.cloudfront.net/cumulus_uploads/document/c073585k3w/toplines_OPI_Kentucky_Clerk_20150908.pdf
- "Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis Isn't Kentucky's Only Gay Marriage Holdout"https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/why-arent-other-defiant-kentucky-clerks-joining-kim-davis-jail-n423496
- Birmingham Business Journalhttp://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/news/2015/10/09/alabama-probate-judge-says-federal-government.html
- "Kentucky clerk: There is a power above man's laws"http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2015/09/01/same-sex-marriage-kentucky-clerk-casey-davis-bts-newday.cnn/video/playlists/gay-rights-movement/
- The State Journalhttps://web.archive.org/web/20170306025440/http://www.state-journal.com/2015/09/02/defiant-county-clerks-standing-ground-on-gay-marriage-issue/
- HuffPosthttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/kim-davis-gay-couples-tried-to-make-me-eat-scotus-ruling-for-dinner_us_573f561ae4b00e09e89efd2c
- USA Todayhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/09/02/qa-ky-clerk-gay-marriage-license-case/71567812/
- Richmond Registerhttp://www.richmondregister.com/news/police-courts/misconduct-charge-against-davis-referred-to-ag/article_ae69bfec-4eba-11e5-b29d-8788b6e5d7c0.html?mode=jqm
- "'Official misconduct charge' against Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis referred to attorney general"https://web.archive.org/web/20150829192032/http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Supporters-opponents-gather-outside-Rowan-County-clerks-office-323227931.html
- "Rowan County Atty's Office Refers Charge of Official Misconduct"https://web.archive.org/web/20150830103056/http://www.lex18.com/story/29910789/rowan-county-attys-office-refers-charge-of-official-misconduct-against-clerk
- The Courier-Journalhttp://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2015/08/31/clerk-could-face-criminal-prosecution/71463078/
- Timehttps://time.com/4018999/kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-same-sex-marriage/
- Conway, Jackhttp://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-Stream.aspx?viewMode=ViewDetailInNewPage&eventID={C457AE5C-5CF0-4C8D-92D9-92DAF9EA27FA}&activityType=PressRelease
- The Courier-Journalhttp://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2015/09/10/conway-no-special-prosecutor-kim-davis/72014942/
- HuffPosthttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/kim-davis-appeals-jail_us_563a1d53e4b0411d306ef387
- The New York Timeshttps://nyti.ms/1PqSMz7
- United Press Internationalhttp://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2015/11/06/Kentucky-clerk-Kim-Davis-loses-latest-gay-marriage-appeal/5041446822266/
- "Kentucky clerk Kim Davis loses latest gay marriage appeal"https://web.archive.org/web/20151208073351/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/599776ea9b3f408483387e81aedc2c96/kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-loses-latest-gay-marriage-appeal
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttp://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article87724492.html
- The Courier-Journalhttp://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2016/07/05/ag-opinion-kim-davis-violated-open-records-act/86723282/
- International Business Timeshttp://www.ibtimes.com/amid-kim-davis-backlash-kentucky-gov-elect-matt-bevin-remove-clerks-names-state-2173662
- Charismahttp://www.charismanews.com/us/54026-kentucky-governor-honors-sincerely-held-religious-beliefs
- "Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis requests marriage license appeals be dismissed"http://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Rowan-County-Clerk-Kim-Davis-requests-marriage-license-appeals-be-dismissed-383807601.html
- USA Todayhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/08/20/judge-dismisses-civil-suits-against-kim-davis/89043068/
- Charismahttp://www.charismanews.com/us/59396-victory-at-last-kim-davis-has-won-the-fight-for-religious-freedom
- "All 3 lawsuits against Kim Davis were just dismissed by a federal judge"https://mic.com/articles/152148/all-3-lawsuits-against-kim-davis-were-just-dismissed-by-a-federal-judge
- HuffPosthttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/kim-davis-gay-marriage-lawsuit_us_576968d9e4b087b70be5f8bd
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttp://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article112014812.html
- Reutershttps://www.reuters.com/article/us-kentucky-marriage-idUSKBN17Y29Y
- "Kentucky Must Pay Attorney Fees For Couples Who Sued Kim Davis, Judge Says"https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/07/21/538592022/kentucky-must-pay-attorney-fees-for-couples-who-sued-kim-davis-says-judge
- The Advocatehttp://www.advocate.com/marriage-equality/2016/9/20/aclu-sues-kim-davis-and-her-county-233k-legal-fees
- WTVQ-DThttp://www.wtvq.com/2016/09/20/aclu-lawyers-sue-kim-davis-legal-fees/
- HuffPosthttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/judge-denies-aclu-motion-legal-fees-kim-davis_us_58bddd86e4b033be1467c36a
- "Ermold v. Davis, No. 16-6412 (6th Cir. 2017)"http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca6/16-6412/16-6412-2017-05-02.html
- The Christian Posthttp://www.christianpost.com/news/kim-davis-lawsuit-denying-man-license-marry-laptop-computer-166140/
- "Kim Davis sued for denying man license to marry his laptop"http://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Kim-Davis-sued-for-denying-man-license-to-marry-his-laptop-385614681.html
- Orlando Sentinelhttp://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/gone-viral/os-marry-porn-computer-20140508-post.html
- Associated Presshttps://www.apnews.com/67650ab16e6343869744e9c8fc9600af
- American Civil Liberties Unionhttps://www.aclu.org/cases/miller-v-davis
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2017/07/21/judge-rowan-county-must-pay-226-695-attorneys-fees-same-sex-couples-who-sued-clerk-kim-davis/499280001/
- NPRhttps://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/07/21/538592022/kentucky-must-pay-attorney-fees-for-couples-who-sued-kim-davis-says-judge
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2019/01/31/matt-bevin-lawyer-kim-davis-must-pay-kentuckys-legal-fees/2726990002/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2015/09/01/matt-bevin-defends-rowan-clerk-kim-davis/71514564/
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttps://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article234313792.html
- Associated Presshttps://apnews.com/article/same-sex-marriage-licenses-federal-lawsuit-kim-davis-9b7d9a257d4637c4e8d3fb4b11c55a34
- CNNhttps://www.cnn.com/2023/09/14/us/kentucky-same-sex-couple-kim-davis-lawsuit/index.html
- WKYThttps://www.wkyt.com/2024/01/02/judge-kim-davis-owes-250k-attorneys-fees/
- The Hillhttps://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/5419154-kentucky-county-clerk-kim-davis-supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-equality-obergefell/
- Kim Davis v. David Ermold, David Moorehttps://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/25/25-125/366933/20250724095150195_250720a%20Petition%20for%20efling.pdf
- ABC Newshttps://abcnews.go.com/Politics/supreme-court-formally-asked-overturn-landmark-same-sex/story?id=124465302
- Newsweekhttps://www.newsweek.com/kim-davis-supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-case-2113170
- SCOTUSbloghttps://www.scotusblog.com/2025/10/court-to-consider-whether-to-hear-challenge-to-same-sex-marriage-on-nov-7/
- "Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide"https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-50eb4ad421911696e742d8c4fb4962fd
- HuffPosthttps://www.huffpost.com/entry/ap-us-supreme-court-same-sex-marriage_n_6911f896e4b03f26059ca641
- Newsweekhttps://www.newsweek.com/kim-davis-crippling-legal-fees-supreme-court-defeat-11028470
- "Pope Francis meets with Kim Davis, enters culture war"http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/30/us/kim-davis-pope/
- "Kim Davis speaks out on meeting Pope Francis"http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kim-davis-pope-francis-visit-washington-dc/
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/30/us/county-clerk-kim-davis-who-denied-gay-couples-visited-pope.html?smid=pl-share
- USA Todayhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/09/30/vatican-quiet-claim-pope-met-kim-davis/73078774/
- "Kim Davis And Pope Francis Had A Private Meeting in D.C."https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/09/30/444671535/kim-davis-and-pope-francis-reportedly-had-a-private-meeting-in-dc
- The Atlantichttps://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/09/pope-francis-allegedly-met-with-kim-davis-what-does-it-mean/408166/
- Cruxhttps://web.archive.org/web/20151127022810/http://www.cruxnow.com/papal-visit/2015/09/30/what-it-means-that-pope-francis-met-kim-davis/
- "Pope's meeting with Kim Davis not an endorsement, Vatican says"http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/02/us/kim-davis-pope/
- The Washington Posthttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/10/02/vatican-downplays-importance-of-pope-franciss-meeting-with-kim-davis/
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/03/world/europe/pope-francis-kim-davis-meeting.html?smid=pl-share
- "Holy See Press Office issues statement on Pope's meeting with Kim Davis"https://web.archive.org/web/20151103063802/http://www.news.va/en/news/holy-see-press-office-issues-statement-on-popes-me
- Los Angeles Timeshttp://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-pope-francis-kim-davis-meeting-20151002-story.html
- "Pope held private meeting with same-sex couple in U.S."http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/02/us/pope-gay-washington/
- The Atlantichttps://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/10/before-kim-davis-the-pope-hung-out-with-a-gay-couple/408718/
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/03/world/europe/archbishop-at-center-of-mystery-of-papal-meeting-with-kim-davis.html
- ABC News (United States)https://abcnews.go.com/US/exclusive-kim-davis-recounts-secret-meeting-pope-francis/story?id=34143874
- ABC News (United States)https://time.com/4051727/pope-francis-papal-plane/
- "Kentucky Clerk Opposed to Gay Marriage to Run for 2018 Re-Election"https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/kentucky-clerk-opposed-gay-marriage-run-2018-re-election-n819011
- "2018 Primary Election Candidate Filings"https://rowancountyclerk.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2018-PRIMARY-ELECTION-CANDIDATE-FILINGS-1.pdf
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2018/05/22/rowan-county-clerk-primary-election-results/635263002/
- "Kim Davis turned him away. Now he's running to unseat her"https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/kim-davis-turned-him-away-now-he-s-running-unseat-n826766
- "Man denied marriage license by Kim Davis announces campaign to replace her"http://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Man-denied-marriage-license-by-Kim-Davis-announces-campaign-to-replace-her-462310493.html
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttps://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article221121745.html
- The Hillhttps://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/415366-anti-gay-marriage-country-clerk-kim-davis-loses-reelection-in-kentucky/
- BuzzFeedhttps://www.buzzfeed.com/davidmack/meet-kim-davis
- https://www.newsweek.com/kim-davis-supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-case-2113170https://www.newsweek.com/kim-davis-supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-case-2113170
- https://abc7.com/post/ky-clerk-who-refused-gay-marriage-licenses-loses-re-election-bid/4635082/#:~:text=Davis%20defendedhttps://abc7.com/post/ky-clerk-who-refused-gay-marriage-licenses-loses-re-election-bid/4635082/#:~:text=Davis%20defended%20the%20hiring%2C%20saying%20her%20son,as%20between%20one%20man%20and%20one%20woman
- Boston Heraldhttps://web.archive.org/web/20151030223454/https://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/national/2015/09/kentucky_clerks_to_license_marriages_as_their_boss_is_jailed
- HuffPosthttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/what-kim-daviss-apostolic-christian-church-is-all-about_us_55f09c7be4b093be51bd6800
- The Washington Posthttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/09/02/meet-kim-davis-the-ky-clerk-who-defying-the-supreme-court-refuses-to-issue-gay-marriage-licenses/
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttp://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article44610921.html
- USA Todayhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/09/09/splainer-whats-apostolic-christian-and-why-kim-davis-hair-so-long/71947018/
- The Christian Posthttp://www.christianpost.com/news/kim-davis-end-times-pope-francis-sotu-state-of-the-union-religious-freedom-gay-marriage-interview-154747/
- International Business Timeshttp://www.ibtimes.com/sit-next-kim-davis-parody-twitter-account-takes-pokes-fun-hypocritical-kentucky-clerk-2082763
- Washington Bladehttp://www.washingtonblade.com/2015/09/09/calif-man-creates-twitter-account-mocking-kim-davis/
- The Dallas Morning Newshttp://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/opinion/2015/09/30/how-this-kim-davis-parody-account-became-a-force-for-lgbt-rights
- E! Newshttp://www.eonline.com/news/692377/parks-and-rec-mashup-starring-anti-gay-kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-says-what-everyone-is-thinking
- The Advocatehttp://www.advocate.com/comedy/2015/09/02/watch-funny-or-die-spoofs-kim-davis-clerks-and-recreation
- The Advocatehttp://www.advocate.com/comedy/2015/10/01/watch-funny-or-die-how-kim-davis-met-pope
- The Advocatehttp://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/2015/9/29/watch-kim-davis-very-model-modern-fundamentalist
- Outhttp://www.out.com/popnography/2015/10/05/icymi-snl-mocks-kim-davis-and-martin-shkreli
- San Diego Gay and Lesbian Newshttp://sdgln.com/entertainment/2015/10/05/snl-remembers-viral-celebrities-2015-funny-season-opener#sthash.YBrveehC.dpbs
- "In One Quote, Jennifer Lawrence Sums Up Why She'll Never Be a Republican"https://mic.com/articles/128389/in-one-quote-jennifer-lawrence-sums-up-why-she-ll-never-be-a-republican
- The Christian Posthttp://www.christianpost.com/news/jennifer-lawrence-christian-clerk-kim-davis-hunger-games-150037/
- Voguehttps://web.archive.org/web/20160521061528/http://www.vogue.com/13368193/jennifer-lawrence-december-2015-cover-hunger-games/
- Kim Davis part 1 by Robert Sammons, Rowan County Marriage Equality & Religious Liberty Project, Morehead State Universithttps://scholarworks.moreheadstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1089&context=merl_audio_video
- "Primary Election Rowan County Recapitulation Sheet"http://rowancountyclerk.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2014-rowan-co-primary.pdf
- "2014 General Election"http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/KY/Rowan/53808/146149/en/summary.html
- Courier Journalhttps://eu.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2018/05/22/rowan-county-clerk-primary-election-results/635263002/
- "2018 General Election Rowan County, Kentucky State Board of Elections"http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/KY/Rowan/92100/217817/Web01/en/summary.html