Attorney General Ken Paxton: Following High Court’s Flawed Ruling, Next Fight is Religious Liberty
“Today’s ruling by five Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court marks a radical departure from countless generations of societal law and tradition. The impact of this opinion on our society and the familial fabric of our nation will be profound. Far from a victory for anyone, this is instead a dilution of marriage as a societal institution."
Attorney General Paxton Applauds Pastor Protection Bill; Calls for Protection for All People of Faith in Texas
Attorney General Ken Paxton today participated in the bill signing for Senate Bill 2065, commonly referred to as the Pastor Protection Bill. The law shields pastors and churches from lawsuits regarding their refusal to perform or host a marriage ceremony that violates their sincerely held religious beliefs. The bill passed thanks to the heroic efforts of Senator Craig Estes and Representative Scott Sanford, himself a pastor. Attorney General Paxton issued the following statement:
Attorney General Paxton Statement on Passage of Pastor Protection Bill
"Across our nation, religious values have come under assault, and today’s bipartisan action in the Texas House is a clear step forward in the ongoing effort to preserve our first freedom: religious liberty. This overwhelming vote shows undisputable support for protecting our faith leaders and standing up against government’s attempts to force Texans to act against their sincerely held beliefs. I commend Sen. Craig Estes and Rep. Scott Sanford for championing this legislation, as well as the pastors who have shared testimony and the lawmakers who fought for the core values of our state and citizens."
Attorney General Paxton Statement on SCOTUS Marriage Arguments
“Today, the United States Supreme Court hears an important case that will define ordered liberty and self-government under the United States Constitution. At stake in this case is whether the people of the State of Texas””and people in the states across the nation””can make their own laws defining marriage. Seventy-six percent of Texas voters chose to define marriage as being between one man and one woman and I am committed to defending the Texas Constitution and self-government by Texans. That is why I joined with Louisiana and other states in filing an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court defending the will of the people of Texas.”
Attorney General Paxton Joins Amicus Brief in Support of States’ Constitutional Right to Define Marriage
The Texas Attorney General’s Office today joined with the Attorneys General of fourteen other states to file an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a federal appeals court’s ruling that affirmed the states’ constitutional authority to refuse to allow same-sex marriages or recognize existing same-sex marriages performed in other states.
Attorney General Paxton: Marriage Has Been Clearly Defined by Texas Voters
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today spoke to a crowd outside the Texas State Capitol about the importance of protecting marriage, as defined by Texas law and our Constitution.
Attorney General Paxton Seeks Writ of Mandamus from Texas Supreme Court
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton continues to actively uphold Texas law in the face of unlawful actions taken by Travis County judges, today filing a petition for a writ of mandamus with the Texas Supreme Court.
Attorney General Paxton: Texas Supreme Court Upholds Constitution, Stays Rulings
“The Court’s action upholds our state constitution and stays these rulings by activist judges in Travis County. The same-sex marriage license issued by the Travis County Clerk is void, just as any license issued in violation of state law would be. I will continue to defend the will of the people of Texas, who have defined marriage as between one man and one woman, against any judicial activism or overreach.”
Attorney General Paxton: Activist Judges Don’t Change Texas Law
“The Texas Constitution clearly defines marriage as between one man and one woman, as Texas voters approved by an overwhelming majority. The law of Texas has not changed, and will not change due to the whims of any individual judge or county clerk operating on their own capacity anywhere in Texas. Activist judges don’t change Texas law and we will continue to aggressively defend the laws of our state and will ensure that any licenses issued contrary to law are invalid.”
Attorney General Paxton Intervenes In Travis County Marriage Case; Requests Stay from Texas Supreme
“Texas law is clear on the definition of marriage, and I will fight to protect this sacred institution and uphold the will of Texans, who voted overwhelmingly in favor of a constitutional amendment defining the union as between one man and one woman. The probate judge’s misguided ruling does not change Texas law or allow the issuance of a marriage license to anyone other than one man and one woman.”