Gay rights advocates warn bills would undercut favorable court ruling on same-sex marriage

Texas State Rep. Cecil Bell, Jr., center, gets some helpful hands from fellow legislators as he prepares to cut a 10-year anniversary wedding cake to celebrate the state’s same-sex marriage ban during Faith and Family Day on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, at the Texas Capitol. (Ralph Barrera/Austin American-Statesman/TNS)

Leaders of civil-rights and liberal groups are warning Texas lawmakers not to damage the state’s economy and reputation by passing bills designed to undercut a possibly favorable ruling on same-sex marriage by the U.S. Supreme Court this summer.
As deadlines for passing bills begin to kick in this week, the Legislature’s two chambers could take floor action on Monday and Tuesday on as many as three bills on same-sex marriage.
Proponents say the measures are necessary to defend states’ rights and religious freedom against activist federal judges and gay rights zealots. Critics say the bills are blatant efforts to turn back the clock and deny equal treatment to people with a different sexual orientation or gender identity. (READ MORE)