Gay couples sue to block Texas marriage ban

[TexasTowelie]

Two same-sex couples, including two Austin women legally married in Massachusetts, have asked a federal court to void Texas’ ban on gay marriage, arguing that it improperly discriminates against an unpopular minority and treats them like second-class citizens.

Citing a string of U.S. Supreme Court rulings that have lent momentum to gay rights activists, the lawsuit asks U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia of San Antonio to issue an injunction immediately blocking Texas from enforcing a law and state constitutional amendment limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples.

“Texas stigmatizes same-sex couples, as well as their children and families, and denies them the same dignity, respect and stature afforded officially recognized heterosexual family relationships,” legal briefs said.

The couples — including Nicole Dimetman and Cleopatra De Leon of Austin — also asked Garcia to declare the state’s gay marriage ban unconstitutional.

More at http://www.statesman.com/news/news/gay-couples-sue-to-block-texas-marriage-ban/nb6Yp/ (subscription required).

Additional discussion with one of the plaintiff attorneys at http://www.lonestarq.com/attorney-sex-couples-discusses-case-challenging-tx-marriage-ban/ .

Cross-posted in LGBT Group.

[longship]

1. R&K!!! nt

[Gothmog]

2. Michael Li posted the pleadings on twitter last week

It was a well written petition. I hope that this lawsuit is successful

[blkmusclmachine]

3. Texass sux.

[Rstrstx]

4. Well that was constructive

Seriously though, I think that if the judge does block the TX law, the 5th Circuit would have no qualms about overturning the ruling. But it would all depend on who sits on the panel though, if Obama can appoint a few vacant positions there'd be a better chance of getting 2 progressive judges (assuming it made it that far).