JACKSON, Tenn. – In early July, the Decatur County Clerk announced her resignation over her opposition to same-sex marriage.
Gwen Pope submitted a letter of resignation Thursday citing religious reasons.
Her resignation took effect this weekend.
In a statement released Sunday, Mayor of Decatur County, Mike Creasy, said:
“The United States Supreme Court recently issued a ruling that Tennessee must recognize same sex marriage and issue marriage licenses to same sex couples. In my opinion, the Supreme Court overstepped its authority with that decision, especially when 81% of Tennesseans voted for a constitutional amendment outlawing same sex marriage. Although I strongly disagree with the Supreme Court’s decision, I, as an elected official, must set aside my personal beliefs and follow the law. But in light of the Supreme Court’s decision, our County Clerk, Gwen Pope, did not feel like that she could issue marriage licenses to persons of the same sex. Ms. Pope, as a result, tendered her resignation, effective July 5, 2015, as County Clerk.”
Mayor Creasy also went on to thank Pope for her service in the statement:
“I do want to express my thanks to Ms. Pope for her years of service to Decatur County. She has served it well. Plus, I appreciate her standing by her personal convictions.”
The mayor appointed Jack Martin as interim County Clerk.
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