If you have spent any amount of time on the Internet or watching the news recently, you are no doubt aware that the Supreme Court of the United States voted 5-4 in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage across the country. This officially makes same-sex marriage the law of the land, but some states are hesitant to adopt the ruling without a fight. Texas arguably stands at the forefront of these reluctant states, with our state’s Attorney General vowing to be a voice for the defense of religious beliefs.
While some cities in Texas have begun to issue same-sex marriage licenses, the state as a whole has not been completely accommodating of the new law. The Attorney General even decried the new constitutional right as a fabrication, claiming that Texas county clerks may be eligible to refuse to issue the marriage licenses if issues such as licenses goes against their religious beliefs. While he recognized that such refusal may warrant legal action, he implied that many attorneys, including his office, will be happy to defend those who are acting based on their religious beliefs.
It is not surprising to learn that the legal battle is still not over for same-sex couples, especially in Texas, but the Supreme Court’s decision appears to be the beginning of the end.
The legal battle for same-sex marriage may still be present in Texas, but it is no longer an uphill battle. The ball rests firmly in the court of Texas law officials, and against the Supreme Court, there are only so many options. The reality is that same-sex marriage may be commonly accepted by the law of Texas by the end of the year.
Source: CNN, “Most states to abide by Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage ruling, but?” Eliott C. McLaughlin, June 30, 2015