Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk jailed for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licences, has made a tearful return to work, defiant in saying she would continue to do so - but would not interfere with her deputies if they chose to approve them.
However, Ms Davis questioned the validity of the licences that would be issued by her deputies going forward.
Despite exiting jail to meet with Texas Senator Ted Cruz and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to “Eye of the Tiger” last week, Ms Davis said she did not want to be the centre of any more national media coverage but denied her newly famed Christian heroism.
"I don't want to have this conflict. I don't want to be in the spotlight. And I certainly don't want to be a whipping post. I am no hero. I'm just a person that's been transformed by the grace of God, who wants to work, be with my family. I just want to serve my neighbors quietly without violating my conscience,” the Associated Press reported.
Clerk #KimDavis is inside her office with the blinds closed. A Rowan Co. Sheriff's deputy is standing guard outside pic.twitter.com/Sm44W6drZu
— Paris Lewbel (@PLewbel) September 14, 2015
US District Judge David Bunning sent Ms Davis to jail on 3 September when she refused to issue licences same-sex couples. At least seven licences were issued by her deputy Brian Mason.
"I love my deputy clerks and I hate that they have been caught in the middle of any of this. If any of them feel that they must issue an authorised licence to avoid being thrown in jail, I understand their tough choice and I will take no action against them," she said.
