Texas just quietly made ‘sad’ ruling on same-sex marriage

Warning: This article contains discussion of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community as well as suicide which some readers may find distressing

The Texas Supreme Court ruled on Friday (24 October) that Texas judges who refuse to perform same-sex marriages based on 'sincerely held religious beliefs' will not violate the state’s rules on judicial impartiality and won't be sanctioned for it.

The new legislation sees an amendment to Canon 4 of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, which prohibits judges from letting any activities outside of their official judicial role cast doubt on their impartiality or interfere with their duties.

The added line reads: "It is not a violation of these canons for a judge to publicly refrain from performing a wedding ceremony based upon a sincerely held religious belief."

The ruling, however, does not include reasoning for the change.

Now, simply put, the added comment effectively protects Texas judges from official sanctions if they say their religion prohibits them from marrying a same-sex couple.

After catching light of the news, many critics rushed online to share their reactions.

One social media user penned: "So... we're not separating church and state anymore?"

A second questioned: "How do you get into a PUBLIC service position but then want to rule or govern based on your own personal beliefs? Beliefs that are not accepted by all of your constituents that you voluntarily signed up to serve??"

"Isn’t the whole point of the judiciary system that the judges' personal beliefs should be put aside in favour of the law?" echoed a third, while a fourth wondered: "How does the same-sex marriage detract from anyone else’s union?!"

Another lamented: "Heartbreaking. Church and state should be separate! It’s so important we keep fighting for marriage equality."

And a final person added: "What a sad world we would live in where we fear and resent love."

Chair of the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus Jessica González has since issued a statement after the court's ruling.

Taking to X, she wrote: "The Texas House LGBTQ Caucus is disappointed, but not surprised, to learn that the Texas Supreme Court is not willing to stand up for the rights of LGBTQIA+ Texans. Our right to marriage should never depend on someone else's religious beliefs."

González added: "This change in the Judicial Conduct Code will only further erode civil rights in Texas."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]