The organization wants everyone to know that "willful violations of individuals’ rights will be costly."

The ACLU Is Suing Kim Davis For $233,058 In Court Costs

Kim Davis, the infamous Rowan County Clerk who refused to issue same-sex marriage licenses in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision on marriage equality, was sued by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in federal court Monday.

According to Buzzfeed’s Dominic Holden, the organization is seeking $233,058 to cover the legal services it provided for several same-sex couples in a lawsuit against Davis in 2015.

ACLU of Kentucky legal director William Sharp said in a statement that he hopes the motion will “send a message to government officials that willful violations of individuals’ rights will be costly.”

Ty Wright / Stringer

“Courts recognize that when successful civil rights plaintiffs obtain a direct benefit from a court-ordered victory, such as in this case, they can be entitled to their legal expenses to deter future civil rights violations by government officials,” he said.

As you may recall, Davis spent five days in jail last September after refusing a federal judge’s order to issue same-sex marriage licenses, saying she was acting “under God’s authority.” She was released once staff at her office began issuing the licenses, and in December, Gov. Matt Bevin signed a bill into law that removed County Clerk’s names from marriage certificates.

Since Rowan County is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit, ACLU spokesman Ryan Karerat said Davis won’t personally be liable to pay the fine.

You can read the suit in full below: