Ohio Gov. John Kasich says he respects the position that a county clerk in Kentucky has taken on not issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, but fears such stands may be turning people away from Christianity and says she should "follow the law."

"I believe in traditional marriage, but the court has ruled, Kasich, a GOP presidential candidate, said Sunday on ABC's "This Week."

"When we see these battles going on, I get afraid that it turns people off to the idea of faith in God, what it means to be a Christian," he said. "To me it's given me a solid foundation to be a better person, better guy."

Young people sitting on the fence, however, might take the issue to view Christians as intolerant and decide it isn't a way they want to lead their own lives, Kasich said.

Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis has been sitting in jail since Thursday on a contempt of court charge for refusing to allow marriage licenses for same-sex couples.

"Now, I respect the fact that this lady doesn't agree, but she's also a government employee," Kasich said. "She's not running a church, but in terms of her responsibility I think she has to comply. I don't like the fact that she's sitting in a jail' that's absurd as well. I think she should follow the law."

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