County clerk Kim Davis denied two same-sex couples marriage licenses in Morehead, Kentucky the morning of Sept. 1. The event sparked more debate about the Supreme Court’s June 24 ruling, which made it legal for same-sex couples to marry in the United States.

Davis said she had the right to deny the couples’ licenses “under God’s authority.” Also, the state of Kentucky defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

Davis, along with many politicians and commentators, said she had the right to deny the licenses as part of her religious beliefs covered by the First Amendment.

As a firm believer in traditional marriage and strong supporter of the First Amendment, I think arguing Davis’ stand on the grounds of religious freedom is preposterous.

In my experience, many Christians overlook Romans 13:1-2 which says, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.”

This verse applies to you, Kim Davis. Even though you disagree, you must uphold the law of the land if it is your job to do so.

When an elected official takes office, he or she swears to be a law-abiding citizen.The premise of “freedom of religion” does not give her the right to neglect her duties.

“To issue a marriage license which conflicts with God’s definition of marriage, with my name affixed to the certificate, would violate my conscience,” Davis said in an interview with The New York Times. “I have no animosity toward anyone and harbor no ill will. To me this has never been a gay or lesbian issue. It is about marriage and God’s word.”

While I agree with her views, I do not believe my constitutional right to practice my religion allows me to deny someone else’s constitutional right to marriage.

If a person’s job requirements conflict with their religious beliefs so strongly that he or she refuses to do them, then that person should step down from the position.

I do not believe Christians or followers of other religions have the right, in the United States, to force their religion on someone to the point they deny the person his or her constitutional rights.

Now that is religious discrimination.

No free citizen of the United States can say, “My right gives me the right to deny you your rights.”