Activist Federal Judge Strikes Down Texas Marriage Laws

Law conceptDecision Stayed Pending Appeal to 5th Circuit

San Antonio, TX, February 26, 2014 –Today, Federal Judge Orlando Garcia, a President Clinton appointee, struck down Texas’ constitutional marriage amendment that defines marriage as one man and one woman. The Texas Constitution’s definition of marriage was approved by 76% of the voters at the polls in 2005, after the language passed the Texas House and Senate by a 2/3rd’s majority earlier in the same year. Judge Garcia stayed his decision pending appeal to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, meaning homosexual ‘marriage’ is still not recognized in Texas.

Texas Values president and attorney Jonathan Saenz released the following statement in response:

“This ruling by unelected federal Judge Orlando Garcia is the most egregious form of judicial activism of our generation. This hollow victory and clear attack on morality and the rule of law will not stand in Texas. This is just the beginning of an epic battle that the Texas people will ultimately win in the name of the only true and lawful definition of marriage: one man and one woman.”

“We call on all Texas elected officials and leaders to unite together for marriage. The people of the State of Texas will not stand for this lawless action and direct assault on the rule of law. Activist decisions like this poison the ideals of our founding fathers and strip away Texans’ fundamental right to self-governance.”

“While we remain confident that the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will reverse this decision, regardless of what the courts say, marriage is the union of one man and one woman. We will remain vigilant in ensuring that this truth is defended and fought for in the great state of Texas.”

The State of Texas, under Gov. Perry and Attorney General Abbott, has officially given notice that it is appealing the ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Read Judge Garcia’s order here.

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.

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