For instance, a nurse or doctor can refuse to perform certain procedures which violate their religious conscious such as performing or assisting in abortions or giving a blood transfusion (Jehovah Witness).
I don't see why she couldn't use that reasoning for herself only. She can't order others to stop issuing gay marriage licences.
I may be wrong completely here but it's worth a try.
All marriage licenses issued in that county must have her signature. She doesn't want her signature on a document licensing a sodomite "marriage"
One quick clarification. She can’t order clerks in other KY counties to not issue licenses. She can and has ordered her staff not to issue them, under the principle that it’s still her name on the document.
Thats why the Federal Judge has summoned both her and her staff to appear before him this morning.
This is now more a test of wills than a legal or moral argument. The court can declare that the couples have a right to the licenses, but it doesn’t have the ability to force her to issue them. Only increase pressure on her using various methods until she acquiesces. Question is how much pressure will be enough to get her to break. IS there enough pressure to get her to break?
I think evangelical Christians are right to see her as their version of the lone guy facing down the Chinese tank in Tianamen Square all those years ago.