Even though gay marriage isn't legal in Texas, that hasn't prevented opponents from taking that extra step: banning already-married gay couples from getting a divorce in the state. In a ruling reported by the Dallas Morning News, the state's 5th District Court of Appeals in Dallas has reversed a decision that allowed gay couples to legally dissolve their marriage. The ruling is quickly becoming another case-study of the trench warfare that's taking place between gay rights advocates and opponents across the country. Here's a snapshot of the reactions:
It's the Antithesis to the Prop 8. Ruling notes John Wright at The Dallas Voice. "Thankfully, we can take comfort in knowing that the gay divorce ruling will have a limited impact in terms of legal precedent. And maybe, just maybe, it will serve as a helpful reminder about just how far the LGBT community has to go in places like Texas."
- An Appeal Is Planned report Eric Kreindler and Frank Heinz at NBC Dallas-Fort Worth, and if an appeal is granted the case would likely go to the Texas Supreme Court. The reporters also wonder about other types of marriage annulments: "But what if it's a woman and her same-sex transgender partner?"
- Confusion Ensues After Ruling writes Ashby Jones at The Wall Street Journal. "And in arguments before the three appellate judges, all Republicans, argued that to recognize same-sex divorce, Texas would have to recognize same-sex marriage."
- 'By Invalidating Gay Divorces, Isn't He In Some Sense Forcing Gay Marriage?' blogs Carmel Lobello at Death and Taxes magazine. "Not being allowed to marry a partner would be maddening indeed, but nothing would feel more infuriating than being forced to stay married to someone I was over."
Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments
or send an email to the author at
ehayden at nationaljournal dot com.
You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.
Erik Hayden


User Comments
Please type your comment and click Post. If you’re not already logged in you will be prompted to log in or register