We'll start this one out with a question-and-answer session.
Who refused to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple in Hood County?
County clerk Katie Lang.
Whose actions caused Hood County to be sued by said same-sex couple?
Again, Katie Lang.
Who has to shell out almost $44,000 to pay for legal fees after the county lost the lawsuit?
If you were about to say Katie Lang, then we have depressing news for you.
From The Dallas Morning News:
"Today that suit was settled, and according to the attorneys representing Stapleton and Cato, Lang’s refusal to issue the license ended up costing Hood County $43,872.10 in attorney’s fees. They will now move to dismiss the suit.
'It is a shame that Hood County Clerk Katie Lang refused to follow the rule of law, causing our clients to go through the difficulties of hiring lawyers and filing a federal lawsuit to obtain the marriage license to which they are constitutionally entitled,' says attorney Pat O’Connell, one of Stapleton and Cato’s attorneys. 'And it is sad that the taxpayers of Hood County have to pay the price for their elected official’s misconduct.'
That's right– the discriminatory actions of one public official cost the taxpayers big time. Let that be a lesson to the would-be Hood Counties of the United States (perk your ears, Rowan County). When your government workers use their religious beliefs to discriminate, you're going to have a bad time.