Up & Down in Texas politics: Anti-gay marriage bill

Austin, Texas (AP) — A high-profile House push to prohibit state, county and local officials from issuing wedding licenses to same-sex couples and shield Texas from gay marriage even if the U.S. Supreme Court legalizes it collapsed amid Democratic stall tactics.

But since Republicans still hold overwhelming majorities in both chambers, couldn't they bring the measure back? Yes, though not easily.

The anti-gay marriage bill was drafted by Magnolia Republican Rep. Cecil Bell. Midnight Thursday was the last chance for initial passage of bills like his, which originated in the House. The Senate has more time, but no similar bill.

The upper chamber has, however, approved a measure excusing clergy members from presiding over weddings that violate their religious beliefs. An anti-gay marriage amendment could still be tacked onto that.

A potentially more creative approach, meanwhile, might be squeezing much of Bell's bill into one that isn't as obviously related — like pieces of pending legislation dealing with seemingly innocuous subjects including clerks, or government paperwork.

Bell says he'd like to see his bill yet live on as an amendment: "You just have to find something that's germane."

So, its death is a setback for social conservatives, but until the June 1 end of the legislative session, it could live again.

By Will Weissert, Associated Press. Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – May 16, 2015 @ 10am.