Austin - State Sen. JoséRodríguez today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that denying the right to marriage to same-sex couples is unconstitutional:
“I applaud the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. This is a milestone moment in the civil rights history of our country. Today's decision affirms a sentiment I think a majority of Americans now recognize, that all people, gay or straight, should be permitted to build a family undisturbed by the government, and to make a lifelong commitment before their community to the person they love. Denying any person the right to participate in equal dignity in an institution as fundamental to American life as marriage is contrary to our nation's values. Denying this right is now and has always been unconstitutional.
I congratulate couples who plan celebrate their nuptials in El Paso County in particular. While others across the state will no doubt still attempt to obstruct gay and lesbian couples from exercising their constitutional rights, I take great pride in knowing I represent a community that fully embraces equality for all its citizens.
Still, we must recognize that today's decision is not the bookend to the LGBT rights movement. Here in Texas, we now add the state's marriage ban to the list of antiquated anti-gay laws that must be repealed by our legislature. We must also ensure that lingering discrimination, especially in the employment, public accommodation, and family law spheres, is rooted out.
I join the LGBT community in celebration today, and look forward to continuing to stand with them as a member of the Texas Senate.”
José Rodríguez represents Texas Senate District 29, which includes the counties of El Paso, Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, and Presidio.
Senator Rodríguez currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Hispanic Caucus, and is a member of the Senate Committees on Education; Health and Human Services; Veteran Affairs and Military Installations; Nominations; and Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.