Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin signed a bill into law on Wednesday that will allow the removal of the names of county clerks' from the state marriage license forms. This comes after a county clerk was jailed last year for refusing to issue licenses to gay couples, citing her religious obligations.
In a report by Reuters, Senate Bill 216 also creates a single form that both heterosexual and homosexual couples can use. Applicants can choose between being referred to as a bride, groom, or spouse. Bevin said in a statement that the single form accommodates all the concerned as everyone benefits from the "common sense legislation."
Initially, the Senate passed a different version of the proposed marriage license forms for gay and straight couples. Under the first version, one form would have bride and groom while the other would have first party and second party.
The governor added that the bill has no additional cost or work required and that the county clerks are now able to fully follow the law without being forced to "compromise their religious liberty," Daily Mail reported.
ABC News reported that Chris Hartman, the director of the Fairness Campaign, a gay rights group, said that the bill just shows Kentuckians can come together to find solutions for LGBT issues. He added that the solution is inclusive and treats everyone fairly with dignity.
Last year, the spotlight was on Kentucky after demonstrations both from the supporters and protesters against Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis drew international attention. Davis refused to issue licenses to same-sex couples after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage.
Davis cited her Apostolic Christian beliefs, defining marriage as a union between heterosexual couples. She argued that her name on the document equaled her approval on same-sex marriage, which goes against her conscience.
Four couples then sued Davis in federal court. She was jailed for five days for failing to follow the court order. After her release, her deputies had to use the title "notary public" on the form instead of her name. State officials said that the new licenses will be deemed valid.
