The Supreme Court decision on marriage equality has sparked many controversies since its introduction on June 26, 2015. Recently, Kim Davis, a Rowen County Clerk in Kentucky, tried to take a stand against the court ruling by refusing to issue any marriage licenses, specifically targeting same-sex couples. Davis was charged with contempt of court for refusing to follow the court order and was taken into custody. She was then offered release if she would allow her fellow deputies to issue marriage licenses, but still she refused. 

“My conscience will not allow it … God’s moral law convicts me and conflicts with my duties,” Davis said.

On Sept. 4, amongst protesters and supporters, Davis was sentenced to jail time for refusing to comply with U.S. law. 

“Her good faith is simply not a viable defense,” said U.S. District Court Judge David Bunning. 

The news of Davis’ jailing was met with a mix of both cheers and boos from the crowd outside the courthouse. It was even reported that one man collapsed on the steps in prayer.

Many people have strong feelings about LGBTQ+ rights, some for and some against. But at Washburn—a school with a history of being, not just tolerant, but accepting and encouraging of people of all diversities—the idea of limiting a person’s right to a marriage licence after they have already been granted equal rights under the law is phenomenally ridiculous. 

Davis is claiming a right to religious freedom, but it is obvious that her argument is invalid. At Davis’ acceptance of her position as county clerk, she took an oath to follow the law. Her freedom to practice her religion can not interfere with the rights and freedoms of other American citizens. 

“It’s her duty as a government employee to do her job, and her job is to issue marriage licenses to gay couples if need be. However, she does have her own opinion and can quit her job if she disagrees with the policy,” said Skyler Urban, a sophomore.

Davis, you took an oath to treat everyone equal under the law. If your god’s moral law conflicts with your duties under the law of the United States, you might consider resigning.