Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton
As one of his first acts as Texas’ new attorney general, Ken Paxton weighed in on the 5th Circuit oral arguments on marriage equality heard on Friday, Jan. 9, in New Orleans. Apparently, he wasn’t happy with how things went.
“In 2005, Texans overwhelmingly supported a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. I am committed to defending the Texas Constitution, the will of our citizens and this sacred institution,” Paxton wrote.
While the 5th Circuit was hearing appeals on marriage cases from Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, the Supreme Court was holding a conference to decide which additional cases it may hear this session.
The court may announce as soon as Monday, Jan. 12, if it will hear a marriage equality case. If so, Paxton can defend the Texas constitution all he wants, but the Supreme Court ruling will take precedence.