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Kentucky removes clerk names from marriage licenses

by Elliot Smilowitz - 12/22/15 7:23 PM ET

Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin had called for new state marriage licenses that do not include the names of county clerks, The Associated Press reported Tuesday.

The move comes months after Rowan County clerk Kim Davis drew national headlines for refusing to issue licenses to gay couples, choosing instead to go to jail for five days.

{mosads}Davis cited her religious beliefs.

Bevin said Tuesday his move was meant to “ensure that the sincerely held religious beliefs of all Kentuckians are honored.”

“Today, I took action to uphold several commitments I made during my campaign so that we can implement real solutions that will help the people of Kentucky,” the new governor added.

Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins told the AP he disagreed with the move, saying clerk names belong on marriage licenses for the historical record.

“Hundreds of years from now, these licenses will be used by genealogists and researchers. Having the names of all the parties involves is very important when you’re talking about a permanent record, for purely practical purposes,” Blevins said. “I’m not pleased at all by this. This has gotten out of hand.”

Tags Kentucky Kim Davis Matt Bevin