Relating to the definition of marriage in this state and the prohibition against the creation or recognition of a marriage between persons of the same sex or a civil union.
Impact
If passed, HB2555 would solidify the existing regulations in Texas concerning marriage, asserting that state law takes precedence over federal rulings that may challenge the prohibition of same-sex marriages. This bill would solidify the legal framework in Texas, ensuring there are no recognitions of marriages or civil unions that conflict with its definitions. Legislative discussions suggest that the bill reflects a concerted effort by certain factions within the Texas legislature to align state laws with their traditional viewpoints, regardless of shifts in federal policy.
Summary
House Bill 2555 aims to amend the Texas Family Code regarding the legal definition of marriage. The bill explicitly prohibits the creation or recognition of marriage between individuals of the same sex, as well as civil unions, reinforcing the traditional definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman. This legislation seeks to affirm and uphold the state's stance on marriage amid changing federal interpretations and rulings on marriage equality.
Contention
The bill has faced criticism and concern from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and civil rights organizations, which argue that such legislation undermines the principles of equality and discrimination. Opponents of HB2555 view this measure as a legal maneuver designed to circumvent federally recognized marriage rights for same-sex couples. The debate surrounding this bill centers on cultural values, individual rights, and the state's role in regulating marriage, highlighting a significant divide in public opinion and legislative action on the matter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Relating to the promotion of breast-feeding and the prohibition against interference with or restriction of the right to breast-feed; creating a civil action.
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 certain related orders, including immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, and authorizing or requiring under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information on a marriage license, an application for a marriage license, and a declaration of informal marriage.