Austin, Texas – February 27, 2017 – Equality Texas today filed an amicus brief with the Texas Supreme Court in the case of Jack Pidgeon and Larry Hicks v. Mayor Sylvester Turner and City of Houston (formerly Pidgeon et al, v. Parker). Equality Texas filed the Amicus Brief on behalf of 35,000 Texans, including married LGBT Texans like L.J. and M.P. whose rights are directly implicated by this case. We urge the court to remember that this case could cause real harm to real Texans if the court ignores the landmark Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v Hodges. That marriage case established ― unequivocally ― that the United States Constitution requires inclusion of same-sex married persons within the definition of “legal spouses.” We urge the Texas Supreme Court to do its job and uphold the decision by the highest court in the land and refuse to discriminate against LGBT Texans whose benefits of marriage are protected just like everyone else under the law.
In Texas, 67% of Texans favor a law protecting LGBT people against discrimination in jobs, public accommodations, and housing. We are hopeful and confident that the civil rights of same-sex couples in Texas will ultimately prevail. The attempts to deny individuals and families in Texas equal protection under the law are shameful and ultimately will not succeed. No matter what the Texas Supreme Court rules, discrimination will not be allowed by the federal courts.
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Link to the Brief: Amicus Curiae Brief of LJ and MP