Md. Lawmaker Among Those Rallying For Jailed Kentucky Clerk
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A Kentucky clerk, jailed for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses, is now free. After five days behind bars, Kim Davis is greeted by supporters cheering her on, including one Maryland lawmaker.
Meghan McCorkell has more on the judge's decision to release her.
A judge told Kim Davis she can no longer block same-sex couples from getting marriage licenses, or she could face further punishment.
Like the star of a rock concert, jailed Kentucky clerk Kim Davis emerges from the detention center after five days behind bars.
"I just want to give god the glory. His people have rallied, and you are a strong people," she said.
Davis was held in contempt of court for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her religious beliefs.
A judge warned her not to interfere again, though her attorney won't say if she'll comply.
"She loves god, she loves people, she loves her work, and she will not betray any of those three," said Mat Staver, Davis' attorney.
Jer Welter, who fought for marriage equality in Maryland, says this has been hard to watch.
"It's really touching and heartbreaking to see the couples in Rowan County, Kentucky who can't get a marriage license where they live and can't get access to all of the legal protections that civil marriage entails," said Welter.
Among those rallying for the Kentucky clerk--a Maryland lawmaker, who says he stands behind her.
"I've come to stand alongside Kim Davis," said Anne Arundel County Councilman Michael Peroutka.
In a video posted to YouTube by the Salt and Light Brigade, Councilman Pertouka defends Davis.
"There is no law that requires her to grant a marriage license to people of the same sex," he said.
Still, if Davis violates the judge's order, she could go back behind bars.
Davis' office began issuing marriage licenses while she was in jail.
Davis supporters have rallied both outside the detention center and the judge's house.