Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote a memo on Friday stating that “despite the Supreme Court’s rulings, Texans’ fundamental right to religious liberty remains protected,” a move that could have prompted Paxton’s remarks over the weekend.
Texas AG Says State Workers Can Still Refuse to Marry Gay Couples
State Attorney General Ken Paxton stated that county clerks, judges and justices of peace could deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples for religious reasons,
Texas’ Attorney General on Sunday stated that county clerks, judges and justices of peace could deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples for religious reasons, arguing that the Supreme Court did not abolish religious liberty.
Ken Paxton, in his non-binding legal opinion, went on to add that “numerous lawyers” would be made available to defend public officials refusing to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples, according to the Associated Press.
“This newly minted federal constitutional right to same-sex marriage can and should peaceably coexist with longstanding constitutional and statutory rights, including the rights to free exercise of religion and freedom of speech,” Paxton’s opinion states. Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick later requested to review the document.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote a memo on Friday stating that “despite the Supreme Court’s rulings, Texans’ fundamental right to religious liberty remains protected,” a move that could have prompted Paxton’s remarks over the weekend.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote a memo on Friday stating that “despite the Supreme Court’s rulings, Texans’ fundamental right to religious liberty remains protected,” a move that could have prompted Paxton’s remarks over the weekend.
