Rep. Simpson Wants Special Session to End Marriage Licensing in Texas

Posted/updated on: June 30, 2015 at 11:30 am

LONGVIEW — State Rep. David Simpson, Longview, announced this morning that he is asking Governor Abbott to call a special session to remove state and local officials from the process of issuing marriage licenses. Simpson said in a news release that he wants the Governor to immediately call a special session of the 84th Legislature “in light of the Supreme Court’s lawless and unconstitutional redefinition of marriage.” The Supreme Court on Friday declared that same-sex couples have the right to wed anywhere in the United States.

Simpson stated that the process of issuing a marriage certificate should be done by clergy members, as long as it is consistent with their beliefs. Also, he says, any authorized notary could approve a certificate for couples not wishing to have a religious ceremony.

Gregg County was among many in the state on Friday citing issues with government forms as a reason marriage licenses could not be issued to same-sex couples. The forms have gender-specific fields.

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