Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB130

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to authorizing a marriage between two persons of the same sex in this state and repealing the statutory prohibition against the recognition of a civil union or similar relationship entered into in another state between two persons of the same sex.

Impact

If enacted, HB 130 would fundamentally alter how the state recognizes marriages by including same-sex couples alongside traditional marriages. This modification to the Family Code signifies Texas's potential departure from its historically restrictive stance on marriage equality and may pave the way for broader acceptance of LGBTQ+ relationships. Additionally, repealing statutes that disallow recognition of out-of-state civil unions would further solidify the legal standing of same-sex marriages conducted elsewhere.

Summary

House Bill 130 aims to authorize marriage between two persons of the same sex in the state of Texas. It seeks to amend the Family Code to recognize same-sex marriages and repeal existing statutes that prohibit the acknowledgment of civil unions or similar relationships entered into in other states. The bill reflects a significant shift toward recognizing and supporting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals within the state, providing essential legal recognition that has been a contentious issue in Texas legislation for many years.

Contention

Despite its progressive intentions, HB 130 is likely to face opposition from certain legislative groups and advocacy organizations that maintain conservative values regarding marriage. Points of contention may revolve around the implications of redefining marriage and how this aligns with Texas’s existing laws and cultural beliefs. Advocacy efforts in support of the bill will likely emphasize legal equality, human rights, and the necessity of recognizing diverse family structures, while opponents may raise concerns about traditional marriage and the potential cultural impacts of such change.

Companion Bills

TX SB98

Identical Relating to authorizing a marriage between two persons of the same sex in this state and repealing the statutory prohibition against the recognition of a civil union or similar relationship entered into in another state between two persons of the same sex.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1685

Relating to certain statutory changes to reflect and address same-sex marriages.

TX SB81

Relating to certain statutory changes to reflect and address same-sex marriages and parenting relationships and to the removal of provisions regarding the criminality or unacceptability of homosexual conduct.

TX HB5031

Relating to certain statutory changes to reflect and address same-sex marriages and parenting relationships and to the removal of provisions regarding the criminality or unacceptability of homosexual conduct.

TX HB3918

Relating to the prohibition, prevention, and remedying of certain discrimination.

TX HB2091

Relating to the confidentiality of certain information on a marriage license, an application for a marriage license, and a declaration of informal marriage.

TX HJR61

Proposing a constitutional amendment to repeal the constitutional provision providing that marriage in this state consists only of the union of one man and one woman and prohibiting this state or a political subdivision of this state from creating or recognizing any legal status identical or similar to marriage.

TX SJR15

Proposing a constitutional amendment to repeal the constitutional provision providing that marriage in this state consists only of the union of one man and one woman and prohibiting this state or a political subdivision of this state from creating or recognizing any legal status identical or similar to marriage.

TX HB40

Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions, and authorizing under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate certain of those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB1493

Relating to the licensing in this state of a person licensed in another jurisdiction to practice marriage and family therapy or professional counseling.

TX HB970

Relating to the repeal of statutes regarding the criminality or unacceptability of homosexual conduct and to the recognition of certain same-sex relationship statuses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.