David Moore reacts after he and his partner leave the Rowan County Courthouse following an attempt to obtain a marriage license in Morehead, Ky., Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015. In a decision Wednesday, U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning ordered Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis to issue marriage licenses, but she has refused after filing an appeal the ruling to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Photo: AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley

David Moore reacts after he and his partner leave the Rowan County Courthouse following an attempt to obtain a marriage license in Morehead, Ky., Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015. In a decision Wednesday, U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning ordered Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis to issue marriage licenses, but she has refused after filing an appeal the ruling to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Photo: AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley

MOREHEAD, Ky. — A lawyer for couples who have sued a Kentucky clerk’s office over its refusal to issue gay marriage licenses says they are considering asking a judge to hold the clerk in contempt.

Attorney Laura Landenwich said Thursday they are discussing how to proceed after the clerk’s office defied a federal judge’s order to follow the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling legalizing gay marriage.

Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis has refused to issue licenses to any couple, gay or straight, despite the court rulings. She cites her deeply held Christian beliefs.

A contempt charge could carry a hefty fine or even the threat of jail time.

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