Texas AG on Supreme Court Marriage Decision: Wait for Direction from this Office
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a statement today on the soon to be released Supreme Court same-sex ‘marriage’ decision. Paxton told Texas County Clerks and Justices of the Peace to wait for direction from his office after the Court’s decision and reiterated that the position of the Texas Attorney General’s office is that the U.S. Constitution clearly does not require Texas to redefine marriage.
His full statement is below:
“Sometime in the next several days, the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to issue an opinion on Obergefell v. Hodges, the case that could potentially redefine marriage. I remain prayerful that the Court will heed millennia of family tradition, Judeo-Christian instruction and common sense and will respect the role of states. But whatever the ruling, I would recommend that all County Clerks and Justices of the Peace wait for direction and clarity from this office about the meaning of the Court’s opinion and the rights of Texans under the law.
“To be clear – the law in the state of Texas is that marriage is one man and one woman, and the position of this office is that the United States Constitution clearly does not speak to any right to marriage other than one man and one woman and that the First Amendment clearly protects religious liberty and the right to believe in traditional marriage without facing discrimination. If the Court suggests otherwise, prudence dictates we reflect on precisely what the Court says, what it means, and how to proceed consistent with the rule of law.”
Numerous news reports have indicated some county clerks (Dallas, Bexar, Travis) are publicly promising to issue licenses and potentially alter the state marriage license form for homosexual couples on the day of the Court’s decision. Texas Values sent letters to these County Clerks today reminding them of their obligation to follow state law and the direction of the Texas Attorney General.
We are thankful for the leadership of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton who stands ready to continue to defend our state marriage laws and our right to religious freedom. We encourage other Texas elected officials to state their public support for these foundational principles.