James Yates

With clerk jailed, gay Kentucky couples get marriage license

 

The clerk was jained for her refusal to issue the licenses because she opposed same-sex marriage.

William Smith Jr. and James Yates, a couple for nearly a decade, were the first to receive a marriage license in Rowan County. Deputy clerk Brian Mason issued the license, congratulating the couple and shaking their hands as he smiled. After they paid the license fee of $35.50, Yates rushed across the steps of the courthouse to hug his mom as both cried.

Standoff over gay marriage licenses wears on, despite ruling

An engaged gay couple marched into the clerk's office, asked for a marriage license and insisted that the latest in a string of court orders proves that they are entitled to one.

Then Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis' office turned them away for the third time.

William Smith Jr. and James Yates walked out of her office, shaking their heads in bewilderment.