Texas Judges May Refuse Same-Sex Marriages on Religious Grounds

Texas Supreme Court Allows Judges to Refuse Same-Sex Marriages Based on Religious BeliefsThe Texas Supreme Court has made a significant change, permitting judges to decline performing same-sex marriages if it conflicts with their religious beliefs. This update to Canon Four of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct is effective immediately and has been published in the Texas Bar Journal and the Texas Register. The decision follows ongoing efforts to limit protections for the LGBTQ+ community and comes as the U.S. Supreme Court considers revisiting its Obergefell v. Hodges ruling. The ruling was sparked by a lawsuit from Jack County Judge Brian Umphress, who challenged a disciplinary action against Judge Dianne Hensley for refusing to perform a same-sex wedding in 2019. The decision has sparked strong reactions, with supporters arguing it protects religious freedom and critics worrying it could lead to further limits on marriage equality in Texas. The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.