Matt Bevin, the first-term social conservative Kentucky governor, has signed a bill into law that unifies marriage license forms for gay and straight couples.
The Wednesday signing comes nearly 10 months after Rowan County clerk Kim Davis was jailed when she refused to grant same-sex couples marriage licenses because it went against her religious beliefs.
The Republican-led Senate on Friday sent Republican Gov. Matt Bevin legislation that would discontinue a requirement that a clerk’s name must be on marriage licenses.
“Everyone benefits from this common-sense legislation,” Bevin said in a statement. “There is no additional cost or work required by our county clerks. They are now able to fully follow the law without being forced to compromise their religious liberty.”
In June, Davis came under national scrutiny for refusing to sign licenses and was jailed for five days before returning to work.
Under the new law, applicants will have the option of checking bride, groom or spouse next to their name, and the form will not include the judge’s name.
