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Scott Co. Recorder: Oath should trump personal beliefs when it comes to marriage licenses

Even though it’s more than 500 miles away, what’s happening in Rowan County, Kentucky is causing the Recorder in Scott County to speak out.

Even though it's more than 500 miles away, what's happening in Rowan County, Kentucky is causing the Recorder in Scott County to speak out.

"It's discrimination no matter how you look at it," said Rita Vargas. "It's discrimination."

Kim Davis, the Rowan County Clerk, is refusing to give marriage licenses to same-sex couples. She said she has a "sincere religious objection to same-sex marriage."

However, Vargas said that should not impact how she does her job.

"I can't think of anything here that I have a strong belief against, but it just doesn't matter," Vargas told News 8 on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2015. "It doesn't matter. I took an oath. I take that oath very seriously and that oath and the laws of our land is what we all need to abide by."

Vargas was there on April 6th, 2009 when two Bettendorf women became the first same-sex couple to apply for a marriage license in Scott County. She said it was a big change, but overall - exciting.

"It was exciting for us, because the people that were coming were so excited and they were so happy," she recalled.

Vargas said if Davis is unable to do her job because of her beliefs, she should step down.

"It's not an opting out process," said Vargas.

Vargas also said Davis is probably in contempt of court and if that's the case, it will be the county - not the clerk - that has to pay.

"As an elected official, we're kind of covered by the county so I'm not sure if any of this will personally financial affect her," explained Vargas. "It may just only affect the county and the county is the taxpayers."

A Kentucky Judge is holding a hearing on Thursday, September 2nd, 2015 to decide if Davis is in contempt of the court and should be fined.

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