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Marriage Equality

WATCH: Kentucky Same-Sex Couples Discuss Kim Davis's Denial

WATCH: Kentucky Same-Sex Couples Discuss Kim Davis's Denial

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Two of the same-sex couples denied licenses by Rowan County clerk Kim Davis spoke to the media, describing the emotional toll of the experience.

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The media circus sparked by Kentucky clerk Kim Davis's ongoing refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples it taking its toll on the couples in Rowan County who want to get legally married.

Appearing visibly upset, Kentucky couple Will Smith, Jr., and James Yates spoke to Yahoo News anchor Katie Couric about their marriage fight. Smith and Yates were denied a marriage license five times per orders of Rowan County clerk Davis, who has to report to a federal district court on Thursday to face contempt charges, as she continues to defy that district court's order that she start providing licenses to all eligible couples. On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously rejected her request for a stay of that pro-equality ruling, effectively ordering her to issue the licenses.

Smith and Yates described not only having their marriage dreams dashed repeatedly, but spoke of antigay crowds cheering when they were denied their marriage license.

When asked whether they hoped Davis would be arrested for defying the Supreme Court, the couple only said they hoped she either did her job or resign. Smith and Yates, together for 10 years, also voiced concern that other aspects of their relationship would be denied by people like Davis, who believe their religious convictions trump the laws of the land.

"There are so many other rights that be eliminated because of belief and that's the real scary part," Yates said.

Meanwhile, David Moore and David Ermold, another Rowan County couple, spoke to MSNBC about being denied a license four times by Davis (watch an earlier attempt here). The men described their disappointment at being denied the latest time.

"What Kim Davis wants is to be a martyr," Moore said. "[Those asking for religious exemptions are] asking for an accommodation to discriminate."

Ermold said he's not sure if he can go back to the clerk's office until he's absolutely certain he can get a license.

"I don't know that I could handle another rejection, to be honest with you," he said.

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Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.
Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.