AUSTIN, Texas — Three Texas lawmakers are seeking to reverse the state’s ban on same-sex marriage by repealing a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman.
State Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas) said he wants to see smae-sex couples be allowed to marry or enter into civil unions, and his bill — co-authored by Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) — aims to repeal a 2005 amendment passed by Texas voters that bans recognition of same-sex unions.
“My constituents include many couples and families who are negatively impacted by the current constitutional restrictions,” said Anchia, in a statement. “It is time we revisit this issue; it is time we treat all Texans with dignity and respect.”
Coleman cited recent polls that show sentiments have changed for a majority of Texans. Anchia, a lawyer, said he represents many couples and families who are discriminated against by the state’s Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits the recognition of anything similar of identical to marriage — including civil unions.
“In 2005, most Texans did not support any form of legal recognition for lesbian and gay couples. But, public opinion has changed greatly in the last eight years, both across the country and right here in Texas,” said Coleman, who has championed a repeal in multiple legislative sessions.
“Two-thirds of Texas’ voters now believe the state should allow some form of legal recognition for committed same-gender couples,” Coleman said.In the state Senate, Sen. Jose Rodriguez (D-El Paso), filed companion bill SJR 29 to repeal the state’s marriage amendment.
The amendments would require two-thirds approval by the Republican-dominated House and Senate, which is unlikely, and approval by a majority of voters in statewide elections.
Filed under: Texas
Florida teen fighting criminal charges related to same-sex relationship
Wash. florist who refused flowers for gay couple’s wedding files suit against state
Anti-gay marriage activist commits suicide on alter at Notre Dame cathedral
Texas judge enforces ‘morality clause’ to split up lesbian couple
Harvey: Gays deserve to be fired for displaying their lifestyles to everyone
Catholic school: Transgender student must wear girl’s graduation gown
Another Ore. bakery refuses to provide wedding cake for same-sex couple
Sex and the teenage girl: The Kaitlyn Hunt tragedy
UPDATED: Police call fatal New York City shooting an anti-gay hate crime
Iowa anti-gay activist explains his opposition to gay marriage: ‘It’s awful’
Details emerge in case against teen accused of lewd behavior with girlfriend
Scottish cardinal to atone for sexual misconduct with younger clergy
BREAKING: French president signs marriage equality bill into law
Everything is bigger in Texas – even the homophobia
Obama delivers LGBT-inclusive commencement address at all-male college
Well whatta know!
Wait!~ Did that headline say Texas?
As a Texan, all I can say is “WOOT!”
We’ll see when that happens.
The problem they’re up against is that not only does the GOP not think same-gender couples should have rights, the current crop feels human beings should not have any rights, only corporations do.
Perhaps, until such time as elected officials recognize Amendment XIV, Section 1, better known as the Equal Protection Clause, such couples should become corporations?
texas before Indiana. I hate this state
I’m in Texas. I support this so, so much.
Speaking as a Texan myself, it ain’t going to happen anytime soon.
Unlikely to happen.
Sucks but true
This might be the first political news from my home state in 5 or so years that doesn’t embarrass me.
How was it ever constitutional?.
Unfortunately, Lisa, it’s “constitutional” because it was added to the state’s constitution… much like the amendment that was passed here in Wisconsin a few years ago. It doesn’t make either amendment any less stupid or bigoted or outrageous, just gives them the veneer of legality.
I’m from texas so I hope this works! !
Maria..not after DOMA is overturned…
It’s a nice gesture but doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell with the current Texas Leg.
smae-sex…spell check ftw
If Texas does pass the ban they will have finally came to their senses
I expect that from Austin.
This is Texas we’re talking about. I support this effort with my heart, but do not believe with my soul that it will go anywhere. The southern redneck mentality will rule as usual.
Hot damn, Texas!