Kentucky County Clerk Speaks at Rally Outside Jail

The Kentucky clerk who refuses to issue marriage licenses because of her religious beliefs about gay couples has appeared briefly on stage at a rally of her supporters, telling the crowd she wants to "give God the glory."

Rowan County clerk Kim Davis told the thousands gathered outside the jail Tuesday, shortly after her release on contempt of court charges: "Thank you all so much. I love you all so very much."

She also said: "I just want to give God the glory; his people have rallied, and you are a strong people."

She added: "Keep on pressing."

GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee also spoke at the rally and introduced Davis. She came out as the song "Eye of the Tiger" played, raising her arms to the sky. She cried and spoke only briefly. Her husband also was there.

Davis' lawyer has refused to say when she'll return to work or whether she will obey a judge's order not to interfere with marriage licensing in her office.

She emerged Tuesday afternoon to hundreds of supporters outside the jail. They sang "Amazing Grace" and "God Bless America" as her lawyer spoke to the crowd and news outlets gathered outside.

Lawyer Mat Staver of Liberty Counsel refused to say whether Davis would obey that order. He says, "Kim Davis cannot and will not violate her conscience." She appeared to be crying and said little. She was asked: "Was it worth it?" She smiled and nodded.

Davis refused to issue marriage licenses after the Supreme Court effectively legalized gay marriage nationwide. Davis repeatedly defied court orders to grant the licenses. She cited "God' authority" and her deeply held religious beliefs that gay marriage is a sin. 

Meanwhile, Staver says the marriage licenses issued in her absence are invalid. He spoke outside the jail Tuesday as Davis was released.

Allison Martin, a spokeswoman for Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, confirmed Tuesday that the office evaluated the licenses issued in Davis' absence and believes they are valid. (AP)