Texas

Amendment

The following language will go on the ballot in 2005.

A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing a constitutional amendment providing that marriage in this state consists only of the union of one man and one woman.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                      
SECTION 1.  Article I, Texas Constitution, is amended by adding Section 32 to read as follows:
Sec. 32.  (a)  Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman. (b)  This state or a political subdivision of this state may not create or recognize any legal status identical or similar to marriage.
SECTION 2.  This state recognizes that through the designation of guardians, the appointment of agents, and the use of private contracts, persons may adequately and properly appoint guardians and arrange rights relating to hospital visitation, property, and the entitlement to proceeds of life insurance policies without the existence of any legal status identical or similar to marriage.
SECTION 3.  This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 8, 2005.  The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition:  "The constitutional amendment 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."

Texas Catholic Conference statement supporting Texas Marriage Amendment HJR 6. see statement

Statutes

Texas Family Code § 6.204 (2004) § 6.204.

Recognition of Same-sex Marriage or Civil Union (a) In this section, "civil union" means any relationship status other than marriage that: (1) is intended as an alternative to marriage or applies primarily to cohabitating persons; and (2) grants to the parties of the relationship legal protections, benefits, or responsibilities granted to the spouses of a marriage. (b) A marriage between persons of the same sex or a civil union is contrary to the public policy of this state and is void in this state. (c) The state or an agency or political subdivision of the state may not give effect to a: (1) public act, record, or judicial proceeding that creates, recognizes, or validates a marriage between persons of the same sex or a civil union in this state or in any other jurisdiction; or (2) right or claim to any legal protection, benefit, or responsibility asserted as a result of a marriage between persons of the same sex or a civil union in this state or in any other jurisdiction.

Websites

Government Website
Free Market Foundation