Texas AG says county clerks don't have to issue same-sex marriage licenses if it violates their religious beliefs

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released an opinion tonight stating that county clerks in the state will not have to issue marriage certificates to same-sex couples if doing so violates their religious beliefs:

My opinion on protection of religious liberties in TX after flawed #SCOTUS marriage ruling: https://t.co/Fb5FJdDbG3 #txlege

— Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) June 28, 2015

The religious liberties of TX public officials remain constitutionally protected after #ObergefellvHodges: https://t.co/RFZBXOq30G #txlege

— Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) June 28, 2015

Friday, #SCOTUS again ignored the text and spirit of the Constitution to manufacture a right that simply does not exist. #txlege #tcot

— Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) June 28, 2015

Paxton also said in the event that any of the county clerks are sued, “numerous lawyers stand ready to assist clerks defending their religious beliefs.”

Some excerpts:

https://twitter.com/RoyMcKenzie/status/615288080103112706

https://twitter.com/passantino/status/615287413535969280

Key part of Texas AG's opinion on whether all 254 TX counties must now issue marriage licenses to gay couples #txlege pic.twitter.com/qgn24qzObZ

— Aman Batheja (@amanbatheja) June 28, 2015

Let the lawsuits begin!

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