Today (Tuesday, Jan. 14), on the opening day of Texas’ 89th Legislative Session, state Rep. Venton Jones of House District 100 in Dallas, kicked the session off with a “deeply personal and historic gesture” when he proposed to his partner, Gregory Scott Jr., in the Texas State Capitol, according to a press release from Jones’ office.
Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and supporters Jones, who was recently elected both as Texas House Democratic Caucus whip and vice-chair of the Texas LGBTQ Caucus, got down on one knee and asked Scott to marry him, “marking a joyous start to his second term in office,” the press release noted, adding that the proposal “was met with cheers and a resounding ‘YES’ from Mr. Scott.”
Jones said, “Today, I took a renewed oath to serve my community with courage, conviction and love. I made a promise to the person who has stood beside me through every step of this journey. In a time when our love and our very existence are challenged, often in the halls of this very building, this moment is a reminder that love conquers all.
“Gregory and I stand as proof that progress is unstoppable, and no amount of hate can erase the truth of who we are,” Jones said.
“Gregory and I stand as proof that progress is unstoppable, and no amount of hate can erase the truth of who we are.”
State Rep. Venton Jones, on proposing his his partner, Gregory Scott Jr.
As one of the first Black gay men to serve in the Texas Legislature, “Minority Party Whip Jones has consistently used his platform to advocate for equity, inclusion, and justice. His proposal underscores the importance of living openly and unapologetically, even in the face of opposition,” according to the press release.
“Gregory and I are building our family and future together,” Jones said. “Today, I am sharing that joy with the people who have entrusted me to fight for a better Texas.
“Just like I’m working to protect my family, I plan on using my power as the House Democratic Caucus whip and vice-chair of the LGBTQ Caucus to protect all Texans,” he declared. “Our love symbolizes resilience, and our story reminds us that love can and will always overcome hate.”
Jones’ office said his historic gesture, “set against the backdrop of the Texas Legislature, reflects a broader commitment to fight for a world where love is celebrated, not marginalized.”
The couple plan to announce details of their engagement in the coming weeks.
— Tammye Nash