GRAYSON, Ky. - The Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses because of her religious beliefs has been released from jail, where she's was held since Thursday on a contempt of court charge.

She emerged Tuesday afternoon to hundreds of supporters outside the jail. They sang "Amazing Grace" and "God Bless America" as her lawyer spoke to the crowd and news outlets gathered outside.

The federal judge who ordered Rowan County clerk Kim Davis jailed five days earlier granted her release Tuesday and warned her not to interfere as deputy clerks in her office issue the licenses.

Davis refused to issue marriage licenses after the Supreme Court effectively legalized gay marriage nationwide. Davis repeatedly defied court orders to grant the licenses. She cited "God' authority" and her deeply held religious beliefs that gay marriage is a sin.