County clerks who have religious objections to same-sex marriage can opt out of issuing such licenses — but they should be prepared to face fines or legal challenges, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a written opinion.
Ken Paxton
Posted in
Criminal Justice
After Gay Marriage Ruling, Republicans Promise Religious Liberty Fight
Texas’ Republican leaders suffered a historic loss on Friday when the U.S. Supreme Court held that state bans on gay marriage are unconstitutional. But social conservatives vowed not to go down without a fight over religious liberty.
Posted in
Politics
Paxton to County Clerks: Wait for Direction on Gay Marriage Ruling
If the Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage bans are unconstitutional, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wants county clerks to hold off on issuing marriage licenses to such couples until his office has given them direction.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Prosecutor: Grand Jury to Hear Paxton Case in July
A case against Attorney General Ken Paxton is heading to a grand jury next month, according to one of the special prosecutors investigating him.
Posted in
State Government
Abbott Signs “Pastor Protection Act” Into Law
Gov. Greg Abbott, who signed a bill Thursday that allows clergy members to refuse to conduct marriages that violate their beliefs, said that “pastors now have the freedom to exercise their First Amendment rights.”
Posted inState Government
The Brief: June 10, 2015
A federal appeals court upheld a key segment of the 2013 Texas law adding requirements on abortion facilities in the state.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: June 5, 2015
Now that Rick Perry is officially in the race for president in 2016, the next trick is to stay in the race.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: May 27, 2015
Campus carry legislation lived to fight another day as a last-minute deal saved Senate Bill 11 just before a midnight deadline in the House to take initial votes on bills originating in the Senate.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: May 18, 2015
With two weeks left in the legislative session, here are a couple of takes on the state of play on taxes and the budget, the only piece of legislation that must be passed.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: May 13, 2015
The House’s tax writing committee on Tuesday took up the Senate’s proposal to cut property taxes by raising homeowners’ residential homestead exemption. But what transpired on Tuesday was far from a kumbaya moment.