Texas House Bill HB130

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

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.