ANCHIA FILES LEGISLATION THAT WILL REPEAL THE BAN ON SAME-GENDER MARRIAGE House Bill 130 would permit Texas couples in loving relationships to marry FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 10, 2014 (Dallas) -- Today, Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas), filed HB 130, which would repeal statutory prohibitions on same-gender marriage in the state of Texas. Currently, there are both statutory and constitutional provisions which forbid same-gender marriage in Texas. In 1997, the Legislature outlawed the issuance of marriage licenses to same-gender couples. And in 2003 legislation was passed to void any same-gender marriage or civil union in any jurisdiction. The aforementioned statutory changes were then amended to the state constitution on November 8, 2005. “Marriage says ‘we are a family’ in a way that no other word does,” says Rep. Anchia. “Marriage strengthens families and gives couples the tools and security they need to build a life together.” Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, (D-McAllen), filed the companion legislation, SB 98. “All Texas couples should be allowed the freedom to marry, build a family, care for those they love, and be treated with dignity and respect,” he said. “ We are all equals -- each of us only wanting to take care of our families and our children. We cannot deny someone that right. ” In addition to expanding marriage in the state of Texas, HB 130 would repeal the statutory ban against the recognition of a civil union or similar relationship entered into in another state. This bill will be enabling legislation for a joint resolution that would repeal the provision in the state constitution that limits marriage to only one man and one woman. Joint resolutions will be filed by Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) in the House and Senator Jose Rodriguez (D-El Paso) in the Senate. If passed by the legislature, the measure would need to be approved by Texas voters. ###
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 15:23:16 +0000