Gov. Greg Abbott is vowing to keep defending traditional values, saying he's preparing a directive to state agencies "instructing them to prioritize the protection of Texans' religious liberties."
In a statement Friday, the Republican decried the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage nationwide.
Abbott said the court acted as "an unelected nine-member legislature" and that five justices who ruled in favor of gay marriage "have imposed on the entire county their personal views."
The decision overturns Texas' 2005 gay marriage ban, and major counties statewide were poised to begin issuing marriage licenses.
Attorney General Ken Paxton had asked county clerks and other officials to wait for his guidance before proceeding. But those instructions haven't been forthcoming.
Abbott, meanwhile, did not immediately provide details on what his directive will mean.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.