Jonathan Stickland
State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, is being accused of supporting same-sex marriage by Andy Cargile, his opponent in the Republican Primary.
Cargile’s campaign is circulating Facebook comment from Stickland’s page that tout his support for same-sex marriage.
In an August 2011 post, Stickland comments, “I a pro-union rights, and I am pro-gay marriage.” Screenshots of the posts were sent to the Texas Tribune.
Family Values is listed on Stickland’s campaign website under issues.
“The family is the foundation of every society and I believe it is under attack,” his website states. “I believe marriage is between a man, a woman and God.”
Stickland’s office did not immediately respond for requests for comment.
But Stickland spokesman Luke Macias told the Tribune via email: “HAHA. Gay marriage really????” He added that Stickland “is one of the biggest advocates for traditional marriage in Texas. Jonathan believes marriage is between a man and woman and has a voting record to back it up.”
Stickland scored a 14 on Equality Texas’ Legislative Scorecard last year. He co-authored HB 1568, authored by state Rep. Drew Springer, R-Muenster, aimed to cut state funding for school districts that offer domestic partner benefits after Pflugerville ISD announced it would offer DP benefits. The bill was left pending in committee.
Statewide advocacy group Equality Texas released a statement disputing the claims that Stickland has a voting record on marriage.
“The issue of marriage equality simply did not come up for a vote during Stickland’s single term in the Legislature,” Equality Texas Legislative Specialist Daniel Williams said. “It’s bad enough to actually have an anti-marriage voting record, but to lie and claim to have one when none exists is truly bizarre.”
