LEXINGTON, Ky. - Former county clerk Kim Davis, known for her refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Kentucky, has been ordered by a federal judge to pay $260,104 in fees and expenses to attorneys who represented a couple that sued her. This ruling comes in addition to the $100,000 in damages previously awarded to the same couple.

U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning dismissed arguments from Davis' attorneys, who claimed that the fees and costs requested by the opposing lawyers were excessive. The judge stated that since the couple prevailed in their lawsuit, Davis is obligated to pay the determined amount. The Lexington Herald-Leader reported this development.

Davis' legal team is expected to appeal the ruling, seeking to challenge the order for payment.

In 2015, Davis garnered international attention when she was briefly incarcerated due to her objection to issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing personal beliefs that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. During her time in jail, her staff issued licenses without her name on them. Eventually, Kentucky's state legislature passed a law removing the names of all county clerks from state marriage licenses.

This significant ruling emphasizes the legal consequences of public officials refusing to carry out their duties in accordance with the law. The case reflects the ongoing debate over religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. The judgement will likely have lasting implications on future cases involving government employees and discrimination based on sexual orientation.

As Kim Davis prepares to challenge the court's decision, her case continues to be a focal point in the ongoing discussion surrounding the intersection of personal beliefs, religious freedom, and legal obligations.