James Stone-Hoskins
Kirk Cole, interim commissioner of the Department of State Health Services, issued an amended death certificate last night listing John Stone-Hoskins as “husband” rather than ‘significant other.” Stone-Hoskins had to file a motion in the court of U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia, who declared Texas’ marriage law unconstitutional in February 2014. Neel Lane, attorney for the Texas marriage-equality plaintiffs, filed the lawsuit.
The amended certificate corrects “James Henry Stone – never married” to “James Henry Stone-Hoskins – married” and “John Allen Hoskins V – significant other” to “John Allen Stone-Hoskins V – husband.”
Cole, along with Attorney General Ken Paxton, face contempt of court charges for violating Garcia’s ruling that was affirmed by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in July 2015 and the U.S. Supreme Court’s Obergefell decision. They are ordered to appear on Aug. 12.
Death Certificate
