The Texas Supreme Court has added a comment to the state’s judicial conduct code, clarifying that judges can decline to perform wedding ceremonies based on sincerely held religious beliefs without violating rules on judicial impartiality. This change, effective immediately, may have implications for gay marriage and a pending federal lawsuit. The modification amends Canon 4 of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, which addresses impartiality, in response to a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals inquiry spurred by a case involving a judge’s refusal to marry same-sex couples. The court’s clarification seemingly addresses concerns raised in the lawsuit, offering protection for judges with religious objections.
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Hillary Clinton: Supreme Court ‘will do to gay marriage what they did to abortion’ is a statement that has ignited a flurry of discussion and concern, and it’s not difficult to see why. The core of the worry, echoed by many, is that the current conservative majority on the Supreme Court is poised to revisit the legal protections afforded to same-sex marriage, potentially dismantling the rights that were secured by the *Obergefell v. Hodges* ruling in 2015. This fear stems from the court’s recent actions, particularly the overturning of *Roe v. Wade*, which has set a precedent for re-evaluating established rights.… Continue reading
The thing that’s truly baffling is how easily the conservative argument about gay marriage leading to human-animal marriage seems to have been forgotten. It was a cornerstone of the opposition, a scare tactic deployed with surprising frequency. Remember the dire warnings? If we allowed same-sex couples to marry, the next thing you knew, people would be tying the knot with their pets, the slippery slope argument in full effect. But here we are, years after marriage equality became the law of the land, and… crickets. No mass weddings for humans and their furry, scaled, or feathered companions. No legislative push to recognize such unions.… Continue reading
Iowa Republicans have recently announced that outlawing gay marriage will be a key campaign priority for 2024. It’s disheartening to see politicians invest so much energy and emotion into hurting others, especially when there are so many other pressing issues facing our country. While they claim to prioritize personal freedoms, their focus on oppressing minority groups speaks volumes about their true intentions.
The thought of targeting LGBTQ individuals in such a blatant and discriminatory manner is not only alarming but also a step backward for progress and equality. This move not only infringes upon the rights of American citizens but sets a dangerous precedent for further discrimination against marginalized groups.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood