Hundreds of people are in Austin to lobby Texas lawmakers to support equality for lesbians, gays and the transgendered, including the right to marry.
Supporters of Equality Texas rallied on the steps of the Capitol Monday, praising Democratic lawmakers who have introduced bills to have both gay parents listed on birth certificates. The group also supports bills to make discrimination by employers and insurance companies illegal.
The bills stand little chance in the Republican-controlled Legislature. Gov. Rick Perry adamantly opposes gay marriage and has likened homosexuality to alcoholism.
El Paso Rep. Mary Gonzalez told the crowd the fight for equal rights is tough but needed. The Democrat describes herself as pansexual, a term that describes people who are attracted to people of different gender identities.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.