Texas has a reputation for standing as one of the most conservative U.S. states in the nation, but even the residents of this solid red state seem to support the legal recognition of same-sex relationships. According to Dallas Voice, a University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll released last month revealed that 61 percent of Texans support same-sex marriages or civil unions.
Specifically, 30 percent of poll respondents said that the state should allow for same-sex marriage, where 31 percent said that the state should allow for civil unions. The poll found that only 33 percent of Texans oppose any form of relationship recognition, where six percent of people polled responded that they are still unsure of where they stand on the issue. Over the past couple years, other studies and polls have found that most Texans support either same-sex marriage or civil unions.
So why does the state of Texas have such strict laws outlawing any type of recognition of same-sex relationships? Perhaps it’s time to change Texas’ marriage laws. In 2005, Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Civil unions and domestic partnerships were also banned through this constitutional amendment with a 22-word clause that reads, “This state or a political subdivision of this state may not create or recognize any legal status identical or similar to marriage.”
However, viewpoints and opinions on the issue have certainly changed over the last six years. It may not be long before we see upcoming ballot or legislative changes on this subject.
Related Resources:
- Find a Houston Family Law Attorney (FindLaw)
- Law on Marriage and Living Together - Texas (FindLaw)
- Texas Prohibited Marriage Laws (FindLaw)
-
Did Texas Accidentally Ban Marriage? (FindLaw’s Law and Daily Life)
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