Texas AG Sues Obama Department of Labor for Unconstitutional “Spouse” Rule

Austin, TX, March 19, 2015 – Yesterday, the Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed suit against the U.S. Department of Labor for a new rule that redefines the word “spouse” in the Family and Medical Leave Act. The new rule directs state agencies to give family and medical leave benefits to same-sex couples with marriage licenses from other states, which are not recognized in the state of Texas and violate our Texas marriage laws. The Department of Labor’s rule violates the U.S. Constitution’s recognition of state sovereignty stated in the Tenth Amendment. The lawsuit makes it clear that the federal government’s efforts are in violation of the “Supreme Court’s ruling in Windsor, which struck down federal interference with state law governing domestic relations.” The new rule is scheduled to take effect on March 27, 2015.

Texas Values President and Attorney, Jonathan Saenz, issued this statement:

“We fully support Texas Attorney General Paxton’s actions to ensure that both the U.S. Constitution and the Texas constitution are fully respected and upheld. The federal government’s effort to force state agencies to recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages is just another example egregious abuse of power. We are appalled by the federal Department of Labor’s blatant disrespect for Texas voters and Texas values. This federal government overreach by an Obama agency is way out of line and must be stopped.”

Watch the Fox 7 news story on this issue here:

Click here to see the lawsuit filing by Texas.

About Texas Values

Texas Values is a non-profit organization dedicated to standing for faith, family, and freedom in Texas. More information is available at txvalues.org.