County Clerk’s Office Quits So They Don’t Have To Marry Gay People

County Clerk’s Office Quits So They Don’t Have To Marry Gay People

The three officers in the Decatur County Clerk’s Office have resigned from their positions because of their opposition to the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage, a county official said today.

Via The Jackson Sun:

According to Decatur County Commissioner David Boroughs, County Clerk Gwen Pope and employees Sharon Bell and Mickey Butler have all resigned because of religious opposition to the ruling.

Boroughs said he confirmed the resignations after speaking with County Mayor Mike Creasy.

“That’s a personal individual decision, but I strongly support them if their faith is that strong,” Boroughs said. “I’m proud of them that their faith is so strong and well-rounded that they feel they can do that.”

Creasy told The Jackson Sun he was not specifically told Pope’s resignation was based on religious views, but he said the resignation letter was sent to his office after the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Decatur County has not received any requests for same-sex marriage licenses as of Wednesday afternoon, Creasy said.

Creasy said the resignations will not be effective until July 14. The County Commission will meet on July 13 to appoint a new county clerk. That person will then be in charge of appointing two workers for the office, he said.

The County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) will be on hand on the 14th to help with the transition, Creasy said.

The Jackson Sun left a message for Pope, but have not heard back. The clerk’s office is normally closed on Wednesday afternoons.