Texas’ Same-Sex Marriage Bills Unlikely to Pass
Flickr photo courtesy of Datchler
Two bills are making their way through Texas’ legislature that could have an affect on same-sex marriage — if they’re lucky enough to pass.
One bill allows for the establishment of civil unions, giving same-sex couples the same “rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities under the law as are granted to spouses in a marriage,” reports the Independent Voter Network (IVN). Democratic State Senator Juan Hinojosa filed the bill, stressing the need for legal protections for same-gender couples.
The second bill, also filed by a Democratic representative, effectively allows for the marriage between a same-sex couple, and repeals the statutory prohibition that defines marriage as a union between only a man and a woman.
IVN reports that both bills, “unfortunately,” face an “impossible battle” in Texas. Based on voting records and the makeup of the committees they face (reportedly Republican-controlled), the bills are unlikely to pass.
Across the rest of the U.S., however, support for gay marriage has increased. A study by UCLA shows that 20 US states, along with Washington D.C., will have majority support by the end of 2014. In comparison to 2004, not a single state had a majority in favor of same-sex marriage (over 50% support).
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