Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

Remember the Kentucky Court Clerk who went to jail for refusing to grant a marriage license to a homosexual couple? Well, the Associated Press and major news media across the country hasn't. That's why they made much over her filing for re-election for Rowan County Clerk. Davis became a lightning rod over marriage, religious freedom, and rights of conscience for public officials. Her stand forced the country to talk about these issues. The established news media has strongly opposed her and contended that once in office, an elected official must do their job regardless of religious convictions. But larger questions have been left unanswered. Do elected officials lose conscience rights once in office? And do they have a moral obligation to stand against laws that are unjust and violate the moral law? Hard questions, and ones the voters will have a say in next year's election.