When a religious group notorious for its anti-gay agenda takes a side, you’d think it would be easy to choose which side you belong to, right? But what if the issue is Kim Davis, the Kentucky Country clerk who refused to give same-sex marriage licenses because it would supposedly violate her “Christian convictions”? Whose side would you be on?
Westboro vs. Davis
The Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) has reportedly slammed Davis for being “an adulterer” because she has divorced thrice and remarried again. In their Twitter account, the group said: “Get this straight: you can NOT repent of a sin you actively live. Kim must leave that man who’s not her husband.”
On one hand, Westboro is known for picketing funerals of victims of mass shootings to deliver their argument that God is supposedly punishing America for accommodating homosexuality. On the other hand, the 49-year-old Davis refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in her hometown of Morehead despite a US Supreme Court order and has since gone to jail on a civil contempt charge.
If you’re shaking your head over the absurdity of the situation, don’t worry as you’re not alone. If politics makes strange bedfellows, it’s no surprise that religion makes stranger… enemies?
Arguments being raised
Meanwhile, the proponents are getting all mixed-up, the arguments are also getting slightly heated. Slate writer Mark Joseph Stern thinks the Davis case is a gift to gay rights, given that Davis—an elected government official—broke the law instead of waiting for legislature to effect the change she wants. On the other hand, Ryan T. Anderson of the Washington-based conservative think tank Heritage Foundation thinks that Davis should be given some leeway like conscientious objectors in the military.
Currently, Davis is appealing the contempt of court ruling against her. But even as she does, her situation is shedding a light on which future battles will take place in the wake of the US Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriages.
With the tide now going against private citizens (through their businesses) and government employees (through tax-funded public services) who discriminate against gay couples, it might be slightly easy to see where the wind will blow as of the moment. But it’s also a good reminder to note that though the battle was won with the high court decision, the war is far from over.
Sources:
- “Gay-hating Westboro Church protests Ky. clerk who denied same-sex marriages.” Johnson, M. Alex. NBC News.
- “Same-sex marriage opponents rally around Kentucky clerk’s jailing.” Felton, Ryan. The Guardian.
- “Kim Davis appeals contempt of court ruling over same-sex marriage licenses.” Payne, Ed. CNN.
- Image – The Federalist.
