Texas Votes to Outlaw Marriage

Well, not yet. But maybe.

This year's ballot includes the anti-gay marriage Proposition 2, which is so poorly worded that it could render all marriage illegal. At least, that's the argument anti-Prop 2 group Save Texas Marriage is making.

The text of the resolution they're voting on:

SECTION 1. Article I, Texas Constitution, is amended by
adding Section 32 to read as follows:
Sec. 32. (a) Marriage in this state shall consist only of
the union of one man and one woman.
(b) This state or a political subdivision of this state may
not create or recognize any legal status identical or similar to
marriage. [emphasis added]

Note that Section 32(b) does not qualify its prohibition on state-established marriage-like legal status in any way at all. Taking it literally, you kind of have to conclude that it invalidates any and all statutes establishing marriage (which is, after all, a legal status identical or similar to marriage). As a connoisseur of dumbassery, I have to say this is one of the finest examples I have seen in a long time.

The article linked above also contains a particularly nice example of wingnut religious arrogance:

Kelly Shackelford, president and chief counsel at the Plano-based Free Market Foundation, called organizers of Save Texas Marriage "pretty shady" and said they are intentionally trying to confuse voters.

He accused the group of making deceptive telephone calls to voters in which they "at least pretend to be reverends¹" who are worried that Proposition 2 will threaten traditional marriage.

"They end the call by saying, 'God bless you,' " he said. "This is just disgusting and reprehensible conduct." [emphasis added]

Imagine the effrontery, of Proposition 2 opponents saying 'God bless you'. Disgusting and reprehensible indeed...because you know, the word 'God' is a registered trademark of Wingnut Jeebus Ministries Incorporated, and any unauthorized use is subject to prosecution as a trademark violation.


¹Save Texas Marriage has confirmed that those representing themselves as ministers are, in fact, ministers.