‘Do your job’ ... Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis listens to a customer following her office's refusal to issue marriage licences. Picture: AP Source: AP

Unlike the vast majority of local officials around the US, Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis has refused to abide by the US Supreme Court’s ruling to legalise gay marriage across America and stopped issuing all marriage licences in the days after the landmark decision.

Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis, right, talks with David Moore following her office's refusal to issue marriage licenses at the Rowan County Courthouse in Morehead, Ky., Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015. Although her appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was denied, Davis still refuses to issue marriage licenses. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley) Source: AP

Two gay couples and two straight couples sued her, arguing that she must fulfil her duties as an elected official despite her personal religious faith. A federal judge ordered her to issue the licences, and an appeals court upheld that decision. Her lawyers with the Liberty Counsel filed a last-ditch appeal to the Supreme Court on Friday, asking that they grant her “asylum for her conscience.”

On Tuesday morning, Ms Davis’ office denied the licences to at least two couples. At first, Ms Davis remained in her office with the door closed and blinds drawn. But she emerged a few minutes later, telling the couples and the activists gathered there that her office is continuing to deny the licences “under God’s authority.”

Showdown ... David Miller, right, talks with Rowan County Sheriffs Deputy Joe Cline about the possibility of Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis being arrested for contempt. Picture: AP Source: AP

Ms Davis asked David Moore and David Ermold, a couple who has been rejected four times by her office, to leave. They refused, surrounded by reporters and cameras.

“We’re not leaving until we have a licence,” Mr Ermold said.

“Then you’re going to have a long day,” Ms Davis told him.

Surrounded by the media, David Moore, centre, and his partner David Ermold attempt to apply for a marriage licence. Picture: AP Source: AP

From the back of the room, Ms Davis’ supporters said: “Praise the Lord! ... Stand your ground.”

Other activists shouted that Ms Davis is a bigot and told her: “Do your job.”

The US Supreme Court on Monday declined to intervene in the case, leaving Ms Davis no legal grounds to refuse to grant licences to gay couples. A district judge could now hold her in contempt, which can carry steep fines or jail time.

Denied ... Karen Roberts, left, and her partner, April Miller, speak to Assistant Rowan County Clerk Kim Russell as they attempt to get a marriage license. Picture: AP Source: AP

April Miller and Karen Roberts have filed a contempt motion against Ms Davis for refusing to grant the marriage licences.

Ms Davis has steadfastly refused to issue the licences, saying her deeply held Christian beliefs don’t let her endorse gay marriages.

Face off ... A gathering of same sex marriage supporters, left, and supporters of Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis, right, in front of the Rowan County Courthouse in Kentucky. Picture: AP Source: AP