Gay couples sue to block Texas marriage ban
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 Texas Group.
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