Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued the following statement regarding the State’s oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit defending the institution of marriage:
“In 2005, Texans overwhelmingly supported a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. I am committed to defending the Texas Constitution, the will of our citizens and this sacred institution.”
“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 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:
"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."