Texas Bill Relating to the Right of Recusal from the Performance of Certain Marriage Ceremonies (SB 1009)

This law was last updated on Sep 19, 2019

State

Texas

Number

SB 1009

Status

Failed to Pass

Proposed

Feb 22, 2019

Topics

Conscience and Refusal Clauses, LGBTQ, Religious Freedom

Full Bill Text

capitol.texas.gov

SB 1009 would prohibit any person authorized to conduct a marriage ceremony—including clergy members and judges—from being required to perform the ceremony if doing so would violate their sincerely held beliefs.

The First Amendment already covers the right of religious organizations to refuse to perform marriages that conflict with their religious beliefs. This bill would take it a step further and allow judges to refuse to perform marriage ceremonies.

Related Legislation

Nearly identical to HB 2109.

Latest Action

2/22/19 – Introduced.