Kentucky: Anti-gay marriage clerk Kim Davis released from jail

Federal judge ordered Davis' release stating that keeping her behind bars would serve no further purpose since her office has begun issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. As part of his ruling, US District Judge David Bunning warned that Davis could not continue to stop legally-eligible couples from receiving licenses.

Davis was freed on Tuesday 8 September after spending five days incarcerated for disobeying a court order. She was found in contempt of court for refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples in Rowan County after June's US Supreme Court ruling legalising same-sex marriage.

As the song Eye of the Tiger blasted out from speakers, the devout Christian spoke to the hundreds of supporters who gathered for a rally outside the Carter County Detention Centre. "Thank you all so much. I love you all so very much," she said.

"I just want to give God the glory. His people have rallied and you are a strong people. We serve a living God who knows exactly where each and every one of us is at. Just keep on pressing, don't let down."

A lawyer who represented same-sex couples seeking marriage licenses in Rowan County said Tuesday told KCCI 8 Des Moines that the plaintiffs' goal had been achieved.

"This case was brought to ensure that all residents of Rowan County, gay and straight, could obtain marriage licenses. That goal has been achieved," said William Sharp, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky.

Davis' lawyer Matthew Staver didn't directly answer questions about whether Davis would stop same-sex couples in her county from getting marriage licenses when she returns to work. "She loves God, she loves people, she loves her work, and she will not betray any of those three," he said.