Candidates Defending Davis
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: In a Wednesday radio interview with Laura Ingraham, Christie acknowledged that someone who works in the government has a bit of a different obligation than someone whos in the private sector or obviously working for educational institutions thats religiously based or others, but opined that we have to protect religious liberty and peoples ability to be able to practice their religion freely and openly, and of course we have to enforce the law too.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz: In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Cruz denounced a war on faith and wrote: We should make it possible for believers, such as Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis in Kentucky, to hold government jobs without having to violate their religious beliefs. We can work together to come up with alternative ways to ensure that government functions are accomplished without infringing on religious liberty.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: In a statement on Tuesday, Huckabee said, I spoke with Kim Davis this morning to offer my prayers and support. I let her know how proud I am of her for not abandoning her religious convictions and standing strong for religious liberty. She is showing more courage and humility than just about any federal office holder in Washington. Huckabee further argued that since the Supreme Court does not have the authority to make law, it would be unconstitutional for Davis to issue same-sex marriage licenses. I stand with Kim Davis and every American of faith under attack by Washington elites who have nothing but disdain for us, our faith and the Constitution, he concluded.
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal: Jindal told the Huffington Post that Davis should not have to resign or to issue licenses to same-sex couples: I dont think anyone should have to choose between following their conscience and religious beliefs and giving up their job and facing financial sanctions. I think its wrong to force Christian individuals or business owners. We are seeing government today discriminate against whether its clerks, florists, musicians or others. I think thats wrong. I think you should be able to keep your job and follow your conscience. I absolutely do believe people have a First Amendment right, a constitutional right. I dont think the court can take that away.
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul: On Boston Herald Radio, Paul said Monday that government should not have any role in marriage licensing and that specifically he objects to the state putting its imprimatur to the specialness of marriage on something thats different from what most people have defined as marriage for most of history. He defended Davis, arguing, I think people who do stand up and are making a stand to say that they believe in something is an important part of the American way.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio: In a statement to the New York Times, Rubio called for a balance between governments responsibility to abide by the laws of our republic and allowing people to stand by their religious convictions. Noting that the clerks office has a governmental duty to carry out the law, he urged that, there should be a way to protect the religious freedom and conscience rights of individuals working in the office. He added that the nation was founded on the human right of religious freedom, and our elected leaders have a duty to protect that right by ensuring that no one is forced by the government to violate their conscience and deeply held religious beliefs about traditional marriage.