The Kentucky county clerk who defied a federal judge's order that she issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples was released Tuesday after six days in jail for contempt of court.
Supporters led by GOP presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee cheered Kim Davis as she left the Carter County, Kentucky, detention center with the Rocky theme "Eye of the Tiger" playing. The reception brought Davis to tears.
"I love you all so very much," she said. "I just want to give God the glory. His people have rallied and you are a strong people."
Her lawyer said Davis will return to her elected job of county clerk, but the judge ordered her not to interfere with deputies who are now issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Her deputies issued a marriage license to James Yates, 41, and William Smith, Jr., 33 -- The same-sex couple she refused earlier in the week.
The jailing of Davis became a hot issue in the 2016 GOP presidential race withHuckabee gaining attention for defending the defiant clerk. Ted Cruz also brought his campaign to the get out of jail celebration Monday.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision in June that marriage is a fundamental right that can't be denied for any couples, but Davis told Yates and Smith that she was acting under "God's Authority" in denying their license.
Gay rights advocates have suggested Davis is being selective in her choice of biblical teachings to follow since she has liberally enjoyed her own right to marry. She is on her fourth husband after three divorces, according to U.S. News & World Report.
"She gave birth to twins five months after divorcing her first husband," the report said. "They were fathered by her third husband but adopted by her second. Davis worked at the clerk's office at the time of each divorce and has since remarried."
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