Supporters to rally in Kentucky for modern 'Joan of Arc' Kim Davis

GRAYSON, Ky. (Christian Examiner) -- Just outside the jailhouse where a modern "Joan of Arc" is being held for defying a judge's order to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, busloads of like-minded Americans are expected for a rally in her support early next week.

The rally for Kim Davis will take place at Carter County Detention Center Sept. 8 at 3 p.m. EST, according to Liberty Counsel, a Christian legal association representing the clerk from Rowan County Kentucky at the center of a national legal debate over same sex marriage.

Everyone, whether you agree with Kim or not, should be inspired by her strong convictions and resolve!

Organized by Gov. Mike Huckabee, the "I'm with Kim," rally promises to draw hordes in a state which nine years ago affirmed traditional marriage by a resounding 3-1 margin.

Davis' lawyer Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, said five people on the Supreme Court have imposed their will on 320 million Americans, unleashing "a torrent of assaults against people of faith."

"Kim Davis is the first victim of this tragedy," Staver said. "Today a Christian is imprisoned for believing what the voters affirmed, that marriage is between a man and a woman.

Liberty Counsel, in a news release, said it will stand with those who support Kim Davis, and urged supporters to sign  a "Push for Liberty" campaign which has gathered more than 190,000 signatures.

Davis has for two months refused to issue marriages licenses since the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage. She argues that her Christian faith should exempt her from signing the licenses. Her attorneys have argued that a reasonable accommodation should be made to eliminate her name from license, therefore eliminating any indication she personally endorses same-sex marriage.

ARRESTED AND JAILED FOR REFUSING TO ISSUE LICENSES

In a breathtaking move Sept. 3, after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear her case, U.S. District Court Judge David Bunning ordered her arrest, and ruled that she will not be released until she agrees to issue licenses to same-sex couples.

"Her good-faith belief is simply not a viable defense," Bunning said. "Oaths mean things."

Davis has remained strong, Staver told Bott Radio personality Harold Hendrick – noting she will remain in cell 151 over the Labor Day weekend.

"Everyone, whether you agree with Kim or not, should be inspired by her strong convictions and resolve!" Staver said told Hendricks in an email.

In the news release from Liberty Counsel, Staver said supporters had been calling, emailing and using social media to ask how to support the woman.

He indicated he urged them to attend the rally in Kentucky.

"I visited with Kim today, and she is good spirits," Staver said. "I went to the jail to encourage her, but she encouraged me! Her opening and closing comment was, 'All is well!'"

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES PRAISE, CRITICIZE

Davis has been at the end of both critcism and support from other leading presidential candiates including Hillary Clinton, who is herself embroiled in a debate over the illegal use of a private email account while she was secretary of state. Clinton said in a Sept. 3 tweet: "Marriage equality is the law of the land. Officials should be held to their duty to uphold the law-end of story."

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush at a Town Hall meeting in New Hampshire recognized Davis was in a tough spot as one who is "sworn to uphold the law."

Bush had more to say, however, indicating he was warm towards allowing the Christian woman some sort of accommodation for her views. "It seems to me there ought to be common ground; there ought to be big enough space for her to act on her conscience" and for a gay couple to be married, he said.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said the case is an example of "judicial lawlessness crossed into judicial tyranny."

"Where is the call for President Obama to resign for ignoring and defying our immigration laws, our welfare reform laws, and even his own Obamacare?" Cruz asked.

Bobby Jindal and Scott Walker also are supportive of Davis -- while at least three other candidates, Chris Christie, Lindsey Graham, and Carly Fiorina argue Davis should uphold the law.

American political commentator Allen B. West also weighed in on the controversy in a blog "Folks You're Missing the Point about the Kentucky Clerk's Jail Sentence."

Pointing to the Pilgrim beginnings of America, West insists, "In America, the citizen has the freedom of religion, the state can't intitute an atmosphere of freedoom from religion."

Hypocricsy is rampant in the judicial system, West writes, with "activist judges" imposing and subjugating their rights on individuals -- and on states.

"Kim Davis went to jail simply because she was exercising her First Amendment right — which no five activist judges can deny, disregard or denigrate," West writes. "It's her First Amendment right that cannot result in her being disparaged — and certainly not arrested."

"Looking at Iraq and the ravages of the past few years in the Middle East, West said: Thanks to President Obama, there is not a single Christian in Mosul, Iraq for the first time in 2,000 years," West said. "Christians are being crucified, tortured and raped by the folks he called the JV team.

"But who would have EVER thought a Christian would be carted off to jail in America because they simply believed marriage is between one man and one woman?" he asked.

In a final word of encouragement, West directs his comments towards Davis:

Kim Davis knows she will one day answer not to Justice Kennedy of the Supreme Court of the United States — she will answer to the Supreme Judge of the Universe. And just as Saul, the persecutor of Christians, was converted on the road to Damascus and became the Apostle Paul, so did Mrs. Davis have a life-changing event. I say to Mrs. Davis, read my favorite book in the Bible, Philippians, and know Paul wrote that text while imprisoned awaiting his execution. And there he wrote these words, Philippians 4:19 (New International Version): "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

So Ma'am, put on the full armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-18, and know as it states in Isaiah 54:17 (New International Version), "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD.

Because if God is for you, who can stand against you? Certainly not those who seek your demise. My prayers and those of millions are with you.

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