Texas Supreme Court allows judges to decline performing gay marriage ceremonies [View all]

Source: CBS - Austin, TX

The Texas Supreme Court has approved a rule change permitting judges to decline to perform same-sex marriages, citing religious objections. The decision marks the latest development in a years-long legal and cultural debate over same-sex marriage in the state.

The issue originated with McLennan County Justice of the Peace Dianne Hensley, who refused to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples. The State Commission on Judicial Conduct sanctioned Hensley for that refusal, prompting her to sue the commission. Her lawsuit, pending in Travis County, argues that the sanction violates her religious freedom.

Same-sex marriage became legal nationwide more than a decade ago, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which recognized the constitutional right of same-sex couples to marry. Since then, some judges and county clerks in Texas and other states have challenged the ruling, contending that it conflicts with their religious beliefs.

Advocacy groups in Austin remain sharply divided over the Texas Supreme Court’s rule change.

Read more: https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/texas-supreme-court-allows-judges-to-decline-performing-gay-marriage-ceremonies